How to Get a Power of Attorney Notarized – A Clear, Step by Step Guide
A power of attorney is one of the most important legal documents a person can have. It gives someone you trust the legal right to make decisions on your behalf — for finances, healthcare, or legal matters. But for a power of attorney to be legally valid in most states, it must be signed in front of a certified notary public.
If you are not sure how the process works, you are not alone. Many people have the document ready but do not know what to do next. This guide walks you through exactly how to get a power of attorney notarized — from what you need to bring, to who can notarize it, and how quickly it can be done.
What Is a Power of Attorney?
A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that gives one person — called the agent or attorney-in-fact — the authority to act on behalf of another person — called the principal.
There are several types of power of attorney:
Durable Power of Attorney — Remains valid even if the principal becomes mentally incapacitated. Most commonly used for long-term planning.
Medical Power of Attorney — Allows the agent to make healthcare decisions on behalf of the principal when they cannot make those decisions themselves.
General Power of Attorney — Grants broad authority to manage financial and legal affairs.
Limited Power of Attorney — Covers one specific transaction or task, such as selling a car or signing a real estate document.
Each type requires notarization to be legally enforceable. Without a notary seal, many banks, hospitals, and courts will not accept the document.
Step by Step — How to Get a Power of Attorney Notarized
Step 1 — Have the document ready but do NOT sign it yet
This is the most common mistake people make. You must sign the power of attorney in front of the notary — not before. If you sign it beforehand, the notary cannot notarize it and the document may be legally invalid.
Step 2 — Bring a valid government-issued photo ID
The notary must verify your identity before notarizing. Bring a current driver’s license, state ID, or passport. The ID must not be expired.
Step 3 — Bring any required witnesses
Some states require one or two witnesses for a power of attorney. Check your state’s requirements. If witnesses are needed, they must also be present at the signing.
Step 4 — Sign the document in front of the notary
The notary watches you sign, verifies your identity, confirms you are signing willingly, and then affixes their official seal.
Step 5 — Receive the notarized document
The notarization is complete. You now have a legally valid power of attorney ready to be used with banks, healthcare providers, courts, or any other institution.
Where Can You Get a Power of Attorney Notarized?
You have several options for getting a power of attorney notarized:
Mobile Notary — A certified notary comes directly to your home, office, hospital room, or any location you choose. This is the most convenient option, especially if the principal has mobility issues or is hospitalized. Same day appointments are often available.
Remote Online Notary — In states that allow remote online notarization (RON), you can get your power of attorney notarized via a secure video call without leaving your home. Fast, legal, and convenient.
Bank — Many banks offer free notary services to account holders. However, bank notaries are often not trained for complex documents like durable power of attorney and may decline to help.
UPS Store or Shipping Centers — Some locations have notaries on staff. Hours are limited and they may not be comfortable with all types of POA documents.
For most people, a mobile notary or remote online notary is the best choice — especially when the signing involves a senior, a hospitalized family member, or a time-sensitive situation.
Need a Power of Attorney Notarized Today?
Amazing Mobile Notary LLC offers same day power of attorney notarization across the United States — in person or via remote online notary. We are NNA Certified and Notary2Pro Certified, fully insured, and background checked. Call us at 347-470-5955 or visit theamazingnotary.com to schedule your appointment today.