Power of Attorney (POA) documents are among the most important—and frequently notarized—legal forms in Pennsylvania. Whether someone is planning their estate or international travel, a POA can give peace of mind and flexibility. But as a notary, your role isn’t just to stamp and go. It’s to ensure the document is executed properly, legally, and ethically.
This tutorial breaks down what a Power of Attorney is, how to notarize it step by step, and what red flags to look out for along the way.
Table of Contents
- What Is a Power of Attorney?
- Step 1: Confirm Your Notarial Authority
- Step 2: Review the POA Document
- Step 3: Verify the Principal’s Identity
- Step 4: Check Witness Requirements
- Step 5: Perform the Notarization
- Step 6: Provide the Signed Copies
- Final Thoughts: Your Role as the Notary
What Is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that allows one person (called the principal) to authorize another person (called the agent or attorney-in-fact) to act on their behalf in personal, financial, or legal matters.
POAs can be broad or narrow in scope. Here are the most common types:
- General POA: Grants broad powers for managing finances or property
- Limited POA: Restricts authority to specific tasks or time periods
- Durable POA: Remains valid even if the principal becomes incapacitated
- Healthcare POA: Grants authority to make medical decisions
- Springing POA: Only becomes active under certain conditions (like disability)
Most POAs in Pennsylvania require notarization to be valid—and many require witnesses, depending on the type and how the document will be used.
Step 1: Confirm Your Notarial Authority
Before you notarize a POA, make sure:
- You are an active, commissioned notary in Pennsylvania
- You have your notary journal and a compliant PA notary stamp
- You understand the scope of your authority (you notarize signatures, not content!)
🚩 Red Flag: If the signer seems unsure about the document, recommend they speak to an attorney. You cannot explain or interpret a POA.
Step 2: Review the POA Document
Before notarizing, scan the document to ensure it’s complete. Look for:
- The names of the principal and agent
- A clear statement of powers being granted
- Any effective or expiration dates
- Signature lines and notarial certificate
🚩 Red Flag: Do not proceed if there are blank sections that could later be altered. Have the principal complete everything before signing.
Step 3: Verify the Principal’s Identity
Ask for a current, government-issued photo ID. Then confirm:
- The name matches the POA (or is reasonably close)
- The signer appears to understand the document
- The signer is acting willingly and not under pressure
🚩 Red Flag: If you suspect cognitive issues or undue influence, stop the notarization and document your concerns.
Step 4: Check Witness Requirements (If Applicable)
In Pennsylvania, most POAs do not require a witness—but healthcare or durable POAs may request one for added protection or bank policy compliance.
If witnesses are present:
- Ensure they are not related to the principal or agent
- Have them present during signing
- Include their names in your notary journal
Step 5: Perform the Notarization
Now it’s time to notarize. Follow these steps:
- Have the principal sign the POA in your presence
- Complete the notarial certificate (most POAs use an acknowledgment)
- Fill in the venue, date, and your notary title
- Sign and affix your stamp
Step 6: Provide the Signed Copies
Once you’ve notarized the document:
- Return the original to the principal
- Offer additional certified copies if requested
- Encourage secure storage and communication with anyone who may need the POA (e.g., attorneys, banks, hospitals)
Final Thoughts: Your Role as the Notary
Power of Attorney documents carry a lot of weight. They allow someone to act on another person’s behalf in critical decisions—sometimes during emergencies or illness.
By following these steps, you protect the public, the principal, and yourself. And you demonstrate that you’re not just a notary—you’re a trusted professional.
Want to master specialty notarizations like POAs, wills, and healthcare directives? Enroll in our PA Notary Training Course to build your confidence and get access to real-world guidance you can use every day.
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