What Your Signature Needs to Say
When you sign a document as a power of attorney, you must sign in a way that shows you are acting on behalf of someone else, not for yourself. The standard format is to write the principal's name first, then add your signature with a label that identifies your role.
The correct signature line looks like this: the principal's name, then "by" or a slash, then your name, then your title. For example: "John Smith by Jane Smith, Attorney-in-Fact" or "John Smith / Jane Smith, POA". Some documents have a printed signature line that says "Principal" above it and a separate line for the agent—in that case, you sign only the agent line and print your title next to your signature.
Never sign only your own name without the principal's name and your title. A signature that reads only "Jane Smith" creates confusion about whether you were acting as yourself or as an agent, and it may not be accepted by banks, courts, or other institutions.
Key Takeaways
- Your signature must include the principal's name, your name, and your title as attorney-in-fact or power of attorney so the document shows you acted on their behalf.
- The format "Principal Name by Your Name, Attorney-in-Fact" or "Principal Name / Your Name, POA" is the standard that most institutions recognize.
- Some documents have separate printed lines for the principal and the agent—follow the document's layout and sign only the agent line.
- You may need to provide a copy of the power of attorney document itself when you present a signed document, so the other party can verify your authority.
When the Document Has Printed Signature Lines
Many official forms—bank account changes, real estate documents, healthcare directives—have pre-printed spaces for signatures. Look for labels like "Principal Signature," "Agent Signature," or "Attorney-in-Fact Signature."
If the form has separate lines, sign only the line labeled for the agent or attorney-in-fact. Do not sign the principal's line unless the principal is present and signing alongside you. Print your title on the same line as your signature or on the line when ready below it, depending on the form's layout.
If the form has only one signature line with no label, write the principal's name, then "by," then your signature and title on that single line. If there is not enough space, ask the institution or the person who gave you the form whether you should use an additional page or whether they have a different version of the form.
Documents That Require the Original Power of Attorney
Some institutions will not accept your signature alone. They want to see the actual power of attorney document that gives you authority. Banks, title companies, and government agencies often require this before they will process a transaction you sign.
Bring a certified copy of the power of attorney with you when you sign. A certified copy is a photocopy that has been stamped and signed by a notary or court clerk to confirm it matches the original. If you do not have a certified copy, ask the institution whether they will accept a photocopy or whether they need the original.
Some places will keep a copy of the power of attorney in their file. Others will return it to you after they verify it. Ask before you hand it over so you know whether you need multiple certified copies for different institutions.
Notarization and Witness Requirements
Not every document you sign as a power of attorney needs to be notarized. However, some do—particularly real estate documents, financial account changes, and healthcare directives. Check the document itself or ask the institution whether notarization is required.
If notarization is needed, you sign in front of a notary public, who watches you sign and then stamps and signs the document to confirm they saw you do it. The notary does not verify that you actually have the authority to sign—they only confirm that you signed in front of them. You are still responsible for having a valid power of attorney.
A few documents ask for witnesses instead of or in addition to a notary. Witnesses are people who watch you sign and then sign their own names to confirm they saw you do it. They do not need to be notaries. Follow the document's instructions about how many witnesses are needed and whether they can be family members or must be unrelated to you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most frequent error is signing only your own name without the principal's name or your title. This creates ambiguity about whether you were acting as yourself or as an agent, and many institutions will reject it and ask you to sign again.
Another mistake is signing the principal's signature line instead of the agent line. If the form has separate lines and you sign the wrong one, the document may be invalid. Always read the labels carefully and ask if you are unsure which line is yours.
Do not assume the principal needs to sign alongside you. In most cases, the principal does not sign at all—you sign on their behalf. The only exception is when the document explicitly says the principal must also sign, or when the institution tells you both signatures are required.
Avoid using initials or abbreviations for your title. Write out "Attorney-in-Fact," "Power of Attorney," or "POA" in full so there is no question about your role. Some institutions have specific requirements for how the title must appear, so ask before you sign if you are unsure.
What to Do If an Institution Rejects Your Signature
If a bank, title company, or other institution says your signature is not acceptable, ask them exactly what is wrong. The most common reasons are that you did not include the principal's name, you did not include your title, or the document itself is not on file with them.
If they say they do not have a copy of the power of attorney, provide a certified copy. If they say your signature format is wrong, ask them what format they need and whether they have a sample or a template you can follow. Different institutions sometimes have different standards, and it is faster to ask than to guess.
If an institution continues to refuse your signature even after you have provided the power of attorney and signed correctly, you may need to contact the institution's legal department or ask an attorney for help. Some institutions have outdated policies or require forms that are no longer standard, and an attorney can sometimes resolve the issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to sign the principal's name myself, or can they sign it?
You sign the principal's name as part of your signature line to show you are acting on their behalf. The principal does not sign. If the document has a separate line labeled "Principal Signature," leave it blank unless the institution specifically tells you the principal must also sign.
What if I lose the power of attorney document and need to sign something?
Contact the person or institution that gave you the original power of attorney and ask for a certified copy. If you cannot locate the original, you may need to have a new one created by an attorney. Most institutions will not accept your signature without proof of your authority.
Can someone else sign documents on my behalf if I give them power of attorney?
Yes, but only if the power of attorney document specifically allows it. Some powers of attorney let the agent delegate tasks to another person; others do not. Check the document or ask an attorney whether delegation is permitted before you ask someone else to sign on your behalf.
Do I need to tell the principal every time I sign a document?
You should inform the principal about major transactions, but the power of attorney gives you the authority to sign without asking permission each time. However, the principal can revoke the power of attorney at any time, so staying in contact is important for both of you.
What if the document says "sign here" but does not have a label for principal or agent?
Write the principal's name, then "by," then your signature and title on that line. If there is not enough space, ask the person or institution who provided the document whether you can use an additional page or whether they have a version with more room for the signature.