The person with power of attorney signs their own name, then writes "as attorney-in-fact for [principal's name]"

When you hold power of attorney, you do not sign the principal's name. You sign your own name, followed by a notation that identifies you as acting under power of attorney. The standard format is your signature, then your typed name, then "as attorney-in-fact for [principal's full name]" or "as power of attorney for [principal's full name]". Some documents ask you to add the date you are signing.

The document itself should state that it is being signed under power of attorney. If the document has a blank line for "signature," you fill it with your own signature. If it has a line for "printed name," you print your own name. Then you add the notation that explains your authority. Banks, healthcare providers, and government offices each have their own signature blocks, so the exact placement varies — but the core rule stays the same: your name, your signature, plus the statement of your role.

You will usually need to provide a copy of the power of attorney document itself when you sign. The institution receiving the signed document wants proof that you actually hold this authority. Some organizations make a photocopy for their records; others ask you to certify that the copy you provide matches the original.

Key Takeaways

  • You sign your own name and title, not the principal's name, even though you are acting on their behalf.
  • The notation "as attorney-in-fact for [name]" or "as power of attorney for [name]" must appear next to your signature on the document.
  • Different institutions format their signature blocks differently, so check the specific document to see where the notation belongs.
  • Have a certified copy of the power of attorney document ready to show the institution that is receiving the signed paperwork.
  • Some organizations require you to initial or date the notation separately from your main signature.

Where the notation goes on common documents

Banks and financial institutions usually have a signature line followed by a "capacity" or "title" line. You sign the first line with your own signature, then write "attorney-in-fact for [principal's name]" on the capacity line. If there is no capacity line, write the notation directly below your signature on the same line or on the line when ready following.

Healthcare providers often use a form with multiple signature blocks — one for the patient, one for the healthcare proxy or power of attorney holder. Find the block labeled "attorney-in-fact," "agent," or "power of attorney," and sign there with your full name and the notation. If the form does not have a dedicated block, sign in the available space and add the notation below.

Government offices, including Social Security, the IRS, and state agencies, typically provide their own forms. These forms usually have a specific section for the attorney-in-fact to sign. Read the instructions on the form carefully, because some government documents require the principal's signature in one place and your signature in another, with specific notations for each.

Real estate documents and legal papers often require a notary public to witness your signature. When you sign in front of a notary, you still sign your own name with the "as attorney-in-fact for" notation. The notary then certifies that you signed in their presence and that you showed them the power of attorney document.

What happens if you sign the principal's name instead

Signing the principal's name is forgery, even if you hold valid power of attorney. The document will not be accepted by banks, courts, or government agencies. If the error is caught, the institution will reject the document and ask you to sign again correctly. If the error is not caught when ready, it can create serious legal problems later — the document may be challenged, the transaction may be reversed, and you could face criminal charges.

Some people make this mistake because they think power of attorney means they become the principal for legal purposes. It does not. Power of attorney means you act on the principal's behalf, but you remain yourself. Your signature proves that you, the attorney-in-fact, authorized the action. The principal's authority flows through you, but your name is what goes on the line.

Notarization and witnessing requirements

Not every document signed under power of attorney requires notarization, but many do. Banks often require a notary's seal on financial documents. Real estate transactions almost always require notarization. Healthcare decisions sometimes require it, depending on the state and the type of decision. Check the specific document or call the institution to ask whether notarization is required before you sign.

When you sign in front of a notary, bring the original power of attorney document with you. The notary will ask to see it, verify that it is valid, and then watch you sign. You will sign your own name with the "as attorney-in-fact for" notation, just as you would on any other document. The notary then adds their seal and signature, certifying that you signed in their presence and that you showed them the power of attorney.

Some states require the principal to sign the power of attorney in front of a notary, and some require both the principal and the attorney-in-fact to be notarized. Check your state's rules or ask the institution receiving the document what notarization they need.

When the institution does not recognize your power of attorney

Banks and other institutions sometimes reject a power of attorney because it is old, because it does not match their internal form, or because they have their own requirements. If this happens, ask the institution what they need. Some will accept your existing power of attorney if you sign their own form as well. Others will ask you to create a new power of attorney using their template.

If an institution refuses to accept your power of attorney without a clear reason, ask to speak with a manager or the legal department. Power of attorney is a legal document, and institutions are required to honor valid ones. If they continue to refuse, you may need to consult an attorney in your state, because the rules vary by location and by the type of power of attorney you hold.

Keep copies of every document you sign under power of attorney, along with a copy of the power of attorney itself. If a dispute arises later, these records prove that you signed correctly and that you had the authority to do so.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to write out the principal's full legal name after "attorney-in-fact for"?

Yes. Write the principal's full legal name as it appears on the power of attorney document. If the principal goes by a nickname or shortened version of their name in everyday life, use the legal name on the official document instead. This prevents confusion and ensures the institution can match the document to the correct person in their records.

What if the document has no space for the "attorney-in-fact" notation?

Write it anyway, either below your signature or in the margin next to your signature. Use a pen, not pencil, and make sure it is legible. If the document is a form with very limited space, write as much of the notation as fits, or ask the institution whether they have a different form you can use instead.

Can I sign documents electronically as attorney-in-fact?

Many institutions now accept electronic signatures for power of attorney documents, but the rules vary. Some require the power of attorney itself to be original and notarized, even if the document you are signing can be electronic. Ask the institution whether they accept e-signatures and what format they need before you attempt to sign electronically.

What if I lose the power of attorney document after I have already signed something?

The institution that received the signed document should have a copy on file. Contact them and ask for a certified copy. If you need the original for future transactions, you may need to contact the attorney who drafted it or the principal to request a new certified copy from the original document.

Do I need to sign the same way every time, or can I vary the notation?

Keep the notation consistent. Use the same format — "as attorney-in-fact for [name]" or "as power of attorney for [name]" — on every document. Consistency makes it easier for institutions to recognize your authority and reduces the chance that a document will be rejected or questioned later.