Florida HSMV Form 96440 IRP/IFTA Power of Attorney

Florida HSMV Form 96440 IRP/IFTA Power of Attorney – Florida-based motor carriers operating under the International Registration Plan (IRP) and/or the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) often need to authorize third parties to handle account transactions. The official document for this purpose is HSMV Form 96440, titled Power of Attorney (POA) and Affidavit of Authorized Agent.

This form, issued by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) Bureau of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services, allows account holders to designate up to three natural persons as authorized agents. It is essential for carriers who work with carrier service providers or employees who manage IRP and IFTA filings.Download the official Form 96440 here: https://www.flhsmv.gov/pdf/forms/96440.pdf

What Is Florida HSMV Form 96440?

HSMV Form 96440 is the only Power of Attorney form accepted by the Bureau of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services for IRP and IFTA accounts. It combines a Power of Attorney section with an Affidavit of Authorized Agent.

According to the form itself and FLHSMV guidance, Florida-based carriers may use this document to authorize agents to perform specific transactions on their IRP and/or IFTA accounts. One form covers both programs when the account name and Federal Employer Identification Number (FEIN) match.

The current revision is HSMV 96440 (Rev 2/2021). Signing a new Form 96440 automatically revokes any previous POAs on file with the Bureau, as provided under Section 709.2110, Florida Statutes.

Who Needs to File Form 96440?

You need Form 96440 if:

Someone other than the IRP registrant or IFTA licensee (or a corporate officer/director of the account holder) will conduct business on the account.
You hire a carrier service provider or third-party agent to handle filings, payments, or credential receipt.
A company employee or family member who is not an officer or director will manage IRP/IFTA matters.

The account holder remains fully responsible for all fees, taxes, compliance, and the actions of any authorized agent. Filing a POA does not transfer legal liability.

Key Rules for Designating Authorized Agents

Florida law and FLHSMV rules impose strict requirements:

Only natural persons (individuals) may be designated as authorized agents under Chapter 709, Florida Statutes.
A carrier services company itself cannot be named as the agent. You may designate a maximum of three individuals who work for the same carrier service provider.
Only one Form 96440 is needed per customer. It applies to both the IRP and IFTA accounts.
The Account Name and FEIN must appear on every page of the form and must exactly match the information on the IRP and IFTA accounts.
At least one agent should be able to appear in person at an IRP walk-in office if needed.

What Authority Does Form 96440 Grant?

Authorized agents may perform the following acts on behalf of the account holder:

Completion and submission of IRP/IFTA transactional forms that do not require the account holder’s attestation.
Completion and submission of IFTA Quarterly Tax Returns.
Making payments on behalf of the account holder.
Receiving IRP and IFTA credentials.
Representing the account holder in audit and/or collection matters.

Agents may not:

Sign forms that require the account holder’s attestation (such as original IRP or IFTA applications or the Record Keeping Agreement).
Use the agent’s address to satisfy base-state requirements.
Change the physical or mailing address of the carrier (a separate Change of Address form, HSMV 85041, is required).
Order additional IFTA decals in certain circumstances.

For full details on permitted activities, see the official Carrier Service Providers page on the FLHSMV website.

How to Complete Florida HSMV Form 96440

The form has two main parts.

Part I – Power of Attorney

Section 1 – Registrant/Licensee (Principal): Enter the exact Account Name, FEIN, telephone number, email, IRP Account Number, and IFTA Account Number. These must match existing records.
Section 2 – Authorized Agent(s): List up to three natural persons. Include each agent’s printed name, contact telephone, and email. If they work for a carrier service provider, note the company name.
Section 3 – Acts Authorized: The form already lists the standard authorized acts. The principal signs under penalties of perjury, affirming the information is true and that they have authority to execute the POA.

The principal must sign in the presence of two witnesses and a notary public. The notary may serve as one of the witnesses. A photocopy of the principal’s driver license is typically required with the submission.

Part II – Affidavit of Authorized Agent

Each designated agent must complete and sign their own Affidavit of Authorized Agent before a notary. Make additional copies of page 3 if designating more than one agent. The affidavit confirms the agent understands the scope of authority and that the POA remains valid.

Submission Requirements

The Bureau accepts only the original, signed, and notarized Form 96440. Photocopies, faxes, or electronic scans are not accepted for the initial filing.

Submit the completed original form by:

Mail to: Bureau of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services, 2900 Apalachee Parkway, Mail Stop 62, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0626
In person at an IRP walk-in office or the Tallahassee office (Carrier Service Providers are served beginning at 10:00 a.m.)

Notarized forms cannot be uploaded through the Interstate Carrier Filing System (ICFS). Keep a copy for your records.

When a new or updated Form 96440 is accepted, all previous POAs for that account are voided.

Important Contact Information

For questions about Form 96440, IRP, or IFTA accounts, contact the IRP/IFTA Customer Service Center:

Phone: (850) 617-3711
Hours: Weekdays 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST

Additional resources are available on the official FLHSMV pages:

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I designate a company as my Power of Attorney?
No. Only natural persons may be authorized agents. You may name up to three individuals employed by the same carrier service company.

Does one form cover both IRP and IFTA?
Yes, provided the Account Name and FEIN are identical on both accounts.

What happens if I need to change or revoke an agent?
File a new Form 96440. It automatically revokes all previous POAs. You may also provide written notification to rescind authority.

Are agent signatures accepted on original applications?
No. Original IRP and IFTA applications, the Record Keeping Agreement (HSMV 85017), and certain other forms require the actual account holder’s or authorized officer’s signature.

Where can I get help completing the form?
Call the IRP/IFTA Customer Service line at (850) 617-3711 or visit an authorized IRP service location.

Conclusion

Florida HSMV Form 96440 is a critical compliance document for any motor carrier that relies on agents or carrier service providers to manage IRP and IFTA accounts. Completing it accurately, obtaining proper notarization and witnesses, and submitting the original document ensures your authorized agents can act efficiently while keeping the account holder fully compliant.

Always download the latest version directly from the official FLHSMV website and follow the instructions printed on the form. For the most current requirements, refer to the Bureau of Commercial Vehicle and Driver Services resources linked above.