#1 "Some people say they have done this for years with no problem." People pass me on the freeway every day going 90MPH and get away with it - that does not make it legal (and some get caught). But you did not ask what you might be able to get away with, but what is legal.
I agree with Rick, You can e-file and then mail the 8453 with the 2848 attached within 3e days of e-fileing, or just mail file the signed return with the 2848 attached.
Rich pointed you to the IRS filing instructions, also see IRS Pub 947 page 3-4 that covers the use of form 2848 by family members who are not tax professionals.
<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="
https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p947.pdf">https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p947.pdf</a>
**Disclaimer: This post is for discussion purposes only and is NOT tax advice. The author takes no responsibility for the accuracy of any information in this post.**
