AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 21 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO POWERS OF ATTORNEY, ELECTRONIC SIGNATURES, AND THE REGISTRATION OF VEHICLES.

Delaware’s Power of Attorney statute requires a notary to verify the signature on a document. Many financial institutions have difficulty having the customer appear before a notary for that notarization. There are several electronic signature verification processes that are available to businesses. This bill would create a Power of Attorney for motor vehicle business that would allow for electronic signature verification if the verification system is acceptable to the Department. This bill will enable businesses of all sizes to accelerate document turnaround time and reduce costs, while ensuring document security and privacy. The revised bill clarifies when a power of attorney becomes valid, the duration of the power of attorney, and removes any potential conflict with an appointed guardian’s responsibilities.