A Power of Attorney (POA) is one of the most important legal documents a person can sign. It allows someone else—the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”—to act on your behalf in financial, medical, or legal matters. Because of the power it grants, most states require a Power of Attorney to be notarized to be valid.
If you’re preparing a Power of Attorney or need to have one notarized, here’s what you should know.
Why Notarization Is Required for Power of Attorney
Notarization protects against fraud by confirming that:
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The person signing the POA is who they claim to be.
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They understand the document and are signing willingly.
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The signature is authentic and legally binding.
Without notarization, a Power of Attorney may be rejected by banks, courts, or medical facilities.
Types of Power of Attorney That Often Require Notarization
Not all POAs are the same. Depending on your needs, you may encounter:
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General Power of Attorney – Grants broad authority to an agent.
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Durable Power of Attorney – Remains in effect even if the signer becomes incapacitated.
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Limited or Special Power of Attorney – Grants authority for a specific task or time period.
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Medical (or Healthcare) Power of Attorney – Allows someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.
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Springing Power of Attorney – Only takes effect under certain conditions, like illness or incapacity.
In most states, these documents must be notarized to be legally valid. Some may also require witnesses.
What You Need to Bring to the Notarization
To notarize a Power of Attorney, you’ll need:
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The document itself – Complete and ready to be signed.
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Valid, government-issued photo ID – Driver’s license, passport, or other state-issued identification.
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Any required witnesses – Some POAs (especially healthcare directives) may require one or two witnesses.
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Your agent’s presence (in some cases) – Depending on the document, your agent may also need to sign in front of the notary.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When notarizing a Power of Attorney, small errors can make the document invalid. Avoid these common mistakes:
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Signing before the notary arrives – Many POAs require you to sign in front of the notary.
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Bringing expired ID – The notary cannot proceed without valid identification.
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Leaving blanks in the document – Most notaries will not notarize incomplete paperwork.
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Not confirming state requirements – Some states require both notarization and witnesses for certain POAs.
Can a Power of Attorney Be Notarized Online?
Yes! With Remote Online Notarization (RON), many states allow you to notarize a POA virtually through a secure video call. This can be especially useful if the signer is ill, traveling, or unable to meet in person.
Always check your state laws to confirm whether an online notarization is accepted.
Final Thoughts
A Power of Attorney is a powerful tool that should be handled carefully. Notarization ensures that the document is valid, enforceable, and free from fraud.
Whether you’re preparing a financial, medical, or general POA, working with a trusted notary gives you peace of mind that your rights and wishes will be respected.
👉 Need help notarizing a Power of Attorney? Contact us today to schedule your appointment with a certified notary.
