Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Arizona
Power of Attorney
My uncle bought me a car in Oregon and I live in Arizona. He put the power of attorney in our name, but when he did he did it in Oregon, now when we went to the DMV office they told us that the Power of Attorney was invalid just because it was from Oregon. is this true or are they just making their job easier?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Power of Attorney
They are not trying to make their job easier, just misinformed. Agents at the motor vehicle agency are supposed to be trained in their own procedures, but they do not really have legal training. The other week I attempted a transaction with a power of attorney from a trustee of a trust, and was told by an agent and a supervisor that my paperwork was not sufficient. Their arguments and analysis were illogical. I went back later and was assigned another agent; he had no problem.
A power of attorney is valid throughout the U.S. if validly executed in the state where it is signed. It is common to transfer auto titles to other states, especially in Arizona. Try another agent, and when they give you a number request an agent be assigned who has a lot of experience. If you are unsuccessful, try going to the department headquarters.
Good luck,
James D. Jenkins