How to Get a Power of Attorney Notarized: A Step-by-Step Guide

You need a power of attorney. Maybe you’re helping an elderly parent. Maybe you’re preparing for your own future. Maybe you’re deploying overseas. Whatever the reason, you have the document. But it’s not valid until it’s notarized.

The process seems intimidating. Do you need witnesses? Can you sign ahead of time? What ID do you need? Let me walk you through exactly how to get a power of attorney notarized without stress or mistakes.

The Short Answer

To get a power of attorney notarized, you must appear in person before a notary public, present valid government-issued photo ID, and sign the document in the notary’s presence. The notary verifies your identity and confirms you’re signing voluntarily. Some states also require witnesses. The process takes about 15 minutes.

You cannot notarize a power of attorney remotely in most states. You cannot sign ahead of time. You must be face-to-face with the notary.

Understanding how to get a power of attorney notarized starts with understanding what a power of attorney actually does.

What Is a Power of Attorney?

A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives someone else the authority to act on your behalf. The person granting authority is the “principal.” The person receiving authority is the “agent” or “attorney-in-fact.”

Powers of attorney can be broad or limited. A general POA gives the agent wide authority over financial and legal matters. A limited POA restricts authority to specific actions (like selling a house). A durable POA remains valid even if you become incapacitated. A healthcare POA covers medical decisions.

Most powers of attorney require notarization. Some also require witnesses. Without proper notarization, the document is invalid. Banks, hospitals, and courts will reject it.

That’s why knowing how to get a power of attorney notarized is essential for anyone creating one.

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

Before you meet with a notary, get everything ready. Don’t sign anything yet.

What you need: The complete power of attorney document (printed, not on a screen). Do not sign it. Leave the signature line blank. The notary must watch you sign. Any witnesses required by your state (bring them with you or arrange for them to be present).

What to check: Is the document complete? Are all pages included? Is it the correct version for your state? Some states have specific POA forms or requirements. Does your state require witnesses in addition to notarization? Some states need one or two witnesses. The witnesses cannot be the notary or the agent named in the POA.

Pro tip: Print two copies. One for the notary to keep in their journal (if required). One for your records. Make extra copies for banks and institutions after notarization.

Preparation is the first step in how to get a power of attorney notarized. Don’t skip it.

Step 2: Gather Your Identification

You cannot get anything notarized without valid ID. The notary must verify you are who you say you are.

Acceptable IDs include: Driver’s license (current, not expired). State-issued identification card. US passport or passport card. Military ID. Foreign passport (with additional verification sometimes required).

What does NOT work: Expired IDs (not valid). Employee ID or work badge (not government-issued). Student ID. Birth certificate (no photo). Social Security card (no photo). Photo copies of IDs (must be original).

Your ID must be current. An expired driver’s license is not acceptable. The name on your ID must match the name on the power of attorney. If you’ve changed your name (marriage, divorce), bring supporting documents like a marriage certificate.

Having the right ID is critical when learning how to get a power of attorney notarized. Without it, the notary cannot help you.

Step 3: Find a Notary Public

You have several options for finding a notary. Choose what works best for you.

Mobile notary (most convenient): A mobile notary comes to your home, office, or any location. They travel to you. Perfect for elderly principals, busy professionals, or anyone who can’t easily leave home. Cost: $50 to $100 total (travel fee plus notarization fee).

Bank or credit union (often free): Many banks offer free notary services to account holders. Call ahead to confirm notary availability. Hours are typically 9 to 5, Monday through Friday. You must go to them.

Shipping stores (UPS, FedEx): Most offer notary services. Cost: $5 to $15 per signature. Open evenings and weekends. No appointment needed. You must go to them.

Public library or city hall: Some offer free or low-cost notary services. Call ahead to confirm hours and availability.

Online notary (if your state allows): Some states now permit remote online notarization (RON). You appear via video call. Check your state laws. Not all states allow RON for powers of <a href="https://prioritymobilenotaryservices.com/how-to-get-a-power-of-attorney-notarized-a-step-by-step-guide/”>attorney.

Choosing the right notary is part of how to get a power of attorney notarized. Mobile notaries offer the most convenience for a reasonable fee.

Step 4: Bring Witnesses (If Required)

Many states require witnesses for a power of attorney in addition to notarization. Check your state’s requirements before you meet with the notary.

States that typically require witnesses for POA: California (2 witnesses). Florida (2 witnesses). Illinois (2 witnesses). Texas (2 witnesses for durable POA). New York (no witnesses required for financial POA, but healthcare POA needs 2).

Who can be a witness? Anyone over 18. Not the notary. Not the agent named in the POA. Not the principal’s spouse or family member (in some states). Someone who is not named in the document. Ideally, someone with no financial interest in the POA.

What witnesses do: They watch you sign the document. They sign the document themselves. They confirm you appeared to be of sound mind. They verify you signed voluntarily.

If your state requires witnesses, bring them with you to the notary appointment. The notary will notarize after witnesses sign.

Witness requirements add complexity to how to get a power of attorney notarized. Know your state’s rules beforehand.

Step 5: Meet with the Notary

Now it’s time for the actual notarization. Here’s what happens during the appointment.

The notary will: Ask to see your valid photo ID. Verify that your name matches the POA. Ask if you’re signing voluntarily (no coercion). Ask if you understand what you’re signing. Witness you signing the document (if required by certificate type). Complete the notary certificate (usually an acknowledgement). Sign and stamp the document. Record the transaction in their journal.

What you need to do: Present your ID. Answer the notary’s questions truthfully. Sign the document in front of them (do not sign beforehand). Have your witnesses sign (if required). Pay the notary fee.

What the notary will NOT do: Give legal advice about the POA. Help you fill out the document. Decide if the POA is “good” or “bad.” Act as a witness (they usually cannot).

The appointment takes about 15 minutes for a standard POA. That’s the core of how to get a power of attorney notarized.

Step 6: Understand the Notary Certificate

Your power of attorney will have a notary certificate attached. Most POAs use an acknowledgement rather than a jurat.

Why an acknowledgement? A power of attorney doesn’t require you to swear that the contents are true (like an affidavit). It only requires proof that you signed voluntarily. That’s what an acknowledgement does. The notary verifies your identity and that you acknowledged the signature as your own.

What the acknowledgement says: “Before me, a notary public, personally appeared [your name], proved to me on the basis of satisfactory evidence to be the person whose name is subscribed to the within instrument and acknowledged to me that he/she executed the same.”

Key point: You do NOT need to sign in the notary’s presence for an acknowledgement (though most notaries prefer you do). You can sign ahead of time. But for simplicity, just sign in front of them.

Understanding the certificate type helps you follow how to get a power of attorney notarized correctly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t let these errors delay or invalidate your POA.

Mistake #1: Signing before meeting the notary. For an acknowledgement, you technically can. But many notaries prefer to witness the signature anyway. When in doubt, wait and sign in front of them.

Mistake #2: Forgetting witnesses in a witness-required state. Your POA will be invalid without them. Check your state’s requirements before the appointment.

Mistake #3: Using an expired ID. The notary cannot accept it. Get a current ID before your appointment.

Mistake #4: Not bringing the correct document. Make sure you have the final version, not a draft. All pages should be present. Don’t staple anything until after notarization.

Mistake #5: Letting the agent sign instead of the principal. The principal (the person granting authority) must sign. The agent (the person receiving authority) does not sign the POA document.

Avoid these and you’ve mastered how to get a power of attorney notarized.

What About Remote Online Notarization (RON)?

Some states now allow remote online notarization. You appear via video call, not in person.

Pros: Convenient. No travel. Can be done from anywhere. Often available evenings and weekends.

Cons: Not all states allow RON for powers of attorney. Some states restrict RON to certain document types. Technology requirements (computer, webcam, internet). Often more expensive than in-person notarization.

States that allow RON for POA: Arizona, Florida, Nevada, Texas, Virginia, and about 30 others. Check your state’s current laws. They change frequently.

If RON is available in your state, it’s another option for how to get a power of attorney notarized without leaving your home.

The Bottom Line

Getting a power of attorney notarized requires you to appear before a notary with valid photo ID. You sign the document in their presence (or acknowledge your existing signature). Some states also require witnesses. The process takes about 15 minutes. Mobile notaries offer the most convenience.

Now you know how to get a power of attorney notarized. Prepare your document. Gather your ID. Find a notary. Bring witnesses if required. Sign in front of the notary. Keep your notarized POA in a safe place. Provide copies to your agent and financial institutions.

Priority Mobile Notary Services