- A notarial car power of attorney authorizes another person to act for the owner.
- Only a public notary in Romania, or a consulate abroad, can execute it.
- The attorney-in-fact can handle vehicle registration, insurance, police, and repairs.
- Documents differ for individuals and legal entities; include vehicle and owner details.
Notarial car power of attorney is a legal instrument by which the owner of a vehicle empowers another person to carry out various legal operations on their behalf. Many drivers have heard the terms “notarial car power of attorney” or “authorization” but are unsure what this procedure entails, which documents are required, and in which situations it is mandatory.
This guide explains all the important aspects of a notarial car power of attorney, whether you are obtaining it for an individual or a company, and walks you through the entire procedure step by step.
What is a notarial car power of attorney and when do you need it
Notarial car power of attorney is a legal document through which the owner of a car empowers another person to act on their behalf in various administrative and legal situations. This empowerment may be necessary in many practical situations:
- Vehicle registration when the owner cannot be personally present
- Managing a company car purchased initially in a personal capacity
- Deduction of expenses for fuel and maintenance for commercial activity
- Representation in front of police authorities or insurance companies
- Car-related administrative services performed on the vehicle
An important thing to know is that a notarial car power of attorney can be executed only by a public notary authorized in Romania or, for foreign nationals, at the Romanian consulate in the respective country.
The powers and responsibilities conferred by the power of attorney
A notarial car power of attorney grants the attorney-in-fact significant powers, which is why you must be very careful whom you entrust with this document. Based on the power of attorney, the authorized person may represent you before:
- Police authorities for various administrative procedures
- Insurance companies to resolve claims
- Public institutions for registrations and deregistrations
- Auto service providers for authorized repairs and maintenance
The attorney-in-fact can practically perform all necessary legal procedures and sign official documents on behalf of the principal. For this reason, entrusting a notarial car power of attorney to an unsuitable person can even lead to loss of the vehicle.
For individuals:
- Original owner’s identity card (original)
- Copy of the identity card of the prospective proxy
- Vehicle registration certificate (original)
- Vehicle registration document (logbook) (original)
- Purchase invoice or sale contract of the vehicle
For legal entities:
- All documents mentioned above, plus:
- Articles of association of the company
- Resolution of the general meeting of associates or shareholders (AGA)
- Certificate of registration of the company
Information to be included in the power of attorney:
- Full details of the owner (name, surname, address, CNP)
- Full details of the attorney-in-fact
- Vehicle details (VIN, make, model, license plate number, year of manufacture)
- Specific powers granted by the power of attorney
- Validity period (if not specified, the power of attorney is valid for 3 years)
Costs of the notarial car power of attorney
Fees for a notarial car power of attorney are regulated and relatively affordable:
- First copy: approximately 30 RON
- Each additional copy: approximately 10 RON
It is recommended to obtain at least 2–3 copies, because:
- When obtaining provisional numbers (red plates), the original power of attorney stays at the police station
- For multiple procedures at once, more copies may be needed
- The extra cost of 10 RON per copy is much cheaper than a new visit to the notary
Validity period and important precautions
If no exact term is specified in the power of attorney, it is valid for 3 years from the date of authentication. This extended duration makes the granting of the power of attorney an important decision that requires careful consideration.
Essential precautions:
- Carefully verify the identity of the person you grant the power of attorney to
- Limit the powers granted to what is strictly necessary
- Set a shorter validity period if the situation allows
- Keep copies of all signed documents
Special situations of use
A notarial car power of attorney may be necessary in other, less common situations:
Complex auto transactions:
- Sale of a car that can no longer be re-registered for administrative reasons
- Managing vehicles in divorce or inheritance scenarios
- Fleet administration for companies
Caution against improper use:
Some owners try to avoid paying taxes (especially for cars with large engines) by keeping the vehicle in the name of the former owner with a power of attorney. This practice is not legal and can create serious problems:
- The vehicle remains administratively in limbo
- It is not registered with any municipality for taxation
- Legal complications may arise in case of an accident or other events
Practical tips for obtaining the power of attorney
- Contact the notary in advance to confirm the exact list of required documents
- Verify all details before signing – any error may invalidate the document
- Ask for explanations for all clauses you do not understand
- Keep copies for your personal archive
- Learn about revocation possibilities if the situation changes
A notarial car power of attorney is a useful legal instrument that can simplify many administrative procedures, but its use should be undertaken responsibly with a clear understanding of the legal implications.
