Power of attorney (POA) is the legal authority to make decisions in someone else’s name. It’s also the document that grants this permission.
Specifically, a power of attorney form authorizes another person or entity to act as your “agent” (you are the “principal”) in matters ranging from medical to financial decisions.
There are several types of powers of attorney for different situations. Find your Ohio (OH) power of attorney form below.
Ohio (OH) Power of Attorney Documents
Ohio BMV Power of Attorney
With a Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) power of attorney, you legally appoint another person or entity to manage affairs related to your motor vehicles.
Download: Adobe PDF
Ohio Tax Power of Attorney
The Ohio tax power of attorney allows you to nominate an agent to act on your behalf in matters relating to the tax authorities.
Ohio Real Estate Power of Attorney
Granting a real estate power of attorney to an agent gives them the power to manage your real estate transactions only.
In the list of powers in the downloaded document, sign only against the real-estate-related powers you wish to transfer. The powers you do not sign against will not be transferred to your agent.
Download: MS Word (.docx) or Adobe PDF
How to Get Power of Attorney in Ohio
You can set up power of attorney by downloading and filling out a power of attorney form.
Chapter 1337 of the Ohio Revised Code governs powers of attorney in the state of Ohio. All forms provided on this page are compliant with this section of the Ohio Revised Code.
Ohio POA Requirements
In order for a power of attorney to be valid in the state of Ohio, it must meet the following requirements:
- An Ohio POA must include the:
- Principal’s name and contact information
- Agent’s name and contact information
- Date the agreement is signed
- Powers granted
- When the powers begin and end
- Signature of a notary public
- The power of attorney must be signed by the principal or by an individual instructed to sign the principal’s name on the document in their conscious presence.
- In accordance with §1337.04, if the power of attorney involves a real estate transaction, it must be recorded in the applicable county recorder’s office.
As long as the principal maintains his or her competence, a power of attorney may be revoked at any time.