Ohio BMV 5738 Spanish Power of Attorney Form – Ohio Form BMV 5738 is the official Spanish-language Power of Attorney for Ohio Vehicle Registration issued by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). This restricted form allows a vehicle owner or purchaser to appoint another person to apply for or transfer vehicle registration on their behalf at an Ohio deputy registrar license agency.
The English version of this form is BMV 5736, and a Somali version is available as BMV 5737. All versions serve the same purpose and are accepted statewide.
Official download link: Download Ohio Form BMV 5738 (Spanish PDF)
What Is Ohio Form BMV 5738?
Form BMV 5738 is a limited power of attorney specifically designed for vehicle registration matters in Ohio. It authorizes a designated individual (called the Person Granted Authority or PGA) to handle registration or transfer of registration for one or more listed vehicles.
This form is restricted. It does not grant authority to transfer vehicle titles. For title-related transactions, Ohio requires Form BMV 3771 (Power of Attorney for Certificate of Title).
The form is maintained by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and is available free of charge from the official Ohio BMV website.
When Do You Need Form BMV 5738?
U.S. residents (including Ohio residents and non-residents handling Ohio vehicles) commonly use this form in these situations:
- The vehicle owner cannot appear in person at a deputy registrar license agency
- A family member, friend, or trusted agent needs to renew or transfer registration
- Joint ownership or leased vehicles require additional owner or lessee information
- Spanish-speaking individuals prefer to complete the form in their primary language
It is frequently used when registering a newly purchased vehicle, renewing plates, or transferring registration after a move within or into Ohio.
Key Information Required on Form BMV 5738
The form must be completed accurately. Required sections include:
- Vehicle Owner Information: Full legal name, current address, date of birth, Ohio driver’s license or state ID number (or Social Security Number if no Ohio DL/ID), and Employer Identification Number or Tax Identification Number if applicable
- Person Granted Authority (PGA): Full name and address of the appointed agent, plus their U.S. or Canadian driver’s license/ID number (or SSN if unavailable)
- Vehicle Details: Plate number (if any), year, make, type, color, and serial number (VIN)
- Joint Ownership or Lease: Additional owner or lessee name, address, Ohio DL/ID or SSN, and EIN/TIN when applicable
- Financial Responsibility Acknowledgment: The owner must confirm that the vehicle has insurance or other acceptable financial responsibility coverage and will not be operated without it
- Signature and Date: The vehicle owner(s) must sign and date the form
Clerk verification sections are completed by BMV staff at the time of submission.
How to Complete and Submit Form BMV 5738?
- Download the official Spanish PDF from the Ohio BMV assets page: BMV 5738 PDF
- Print the form clearly in ink or complete it digitally if fillable software is used
- Fill in all owner, agent, and vehicle information exactly as it appears on official documents
- Have the vehicle owner(s) sign and date the form
- Attach the completed form to the vehicle registration application
- Present the form, required identification, proof of financial responsibility, and any other supporting documents at a local Ohio deputy registrar license agency
For a full list of acceptable identification documents, refer to the official Acceptable Documents List (Form BMV 2424 or BMV 2430) available on the Ohio BMV website.
Important Ohio Financial Responsibility Rules
Ohio law requires every motor vehicle operated on public roads to maintain financial responsibility coverage (minimum liability insurance of $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $25,000 for property damage, or an equivalent alternative).
Failure to maintain coverage can result in:
- Driver license suspension
- Registration revocation
- Reinstatement fees ($40 first offense, $300 second, $600 subsequent)
- Mandatory SR-22 filing for one year or longer
- Additional penalties if an uninsured accident occurs
The BMV 5738 form includes a clear acknowledgment of these requirements that the owner must sign.
Difference Between BMV 5738 and BMV 3771
Many people confuse the two Ohio BMV power of attorney forms:
- BMV 5738 (and English BMV 5736) — Restricted to vehicle registration and transfer of registration only
- BMV 3771 — Used for certificate of title assignment or application and typically requires notarization
Using the wrong form can delay your transaction at the clerk of courts or deputy registrar office. Always confirm the purpose of your visit before selecting the form.
Where to Find Official Forms and Additional Help?
All current Ohio BMV forms, including BMV 5738, BMV 5736, and BMV 5737, are listed on the official Documents & Fees page: Ohio BMV Forms.
For vehicle registration procedures, visit the Ohio BMV vehicle registration section or contact your local deputy registrar license agency. Agency locations and hours are available on the official BMV website.
Always download forms directly from official Ohio government sources to ensure you have the most current version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Form BMV 5738 free?
Yes. The official PDF is provided at no cost by the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Does the form need to be notarized?
Unlike the title power of attorney (BMV 3771), Form BMV 5738 does not require notarization based on the current official version.
Can a non-Ohio resident use this form?
Yes, as long as the vehicle is being registered or the registration is being transferred under Ohio law and the required identification and documentation are provided.
How many vehicles can be listed?
The form provides space for multiple vehicles. List each one with complete identifying information.
What if I need the English version?
Download Form BMV 5736 from the same official Ohio BMV forms page.
Final Tips for U.S. Residents
Double-check all names, VINs, and identification numbers before signing. Bring original identification documents for both the owner and the appointed agent. Keep a copy of the completed form for your records. The bottom portion of the form is designed to be detached for personal records after submission.
Using the correct, current official form and following Ohio BMV requirements helps ensure a smooth registration process at any deputy registrar office across the state.