The correct way to sign depends on what the power of attorney document says
When you sign a check as someone's power of attorney, the bank needs to see when ready that you are signing on behalf of someone else, not for yourself. The standard format is to write the account holder's name first, then write "by" and your own name below it. Some banks accept "POA" or "Power of Attorney" written after the account holder's name instead. The exact method matters because banks reject checks signed the wrong way, and you could face legal trouble if you sign in a way that makes it look like the money is yours.
Before you sign anything, check the power of attorney document itself. It should say whether you have the authority to sign checks at all — some POAs limit you to specific tasks like paying medical bills or managing property, and do not include banking. If the document does not mention checks or financial transactions, do not sign. Call the bank's legal department or the person who created the POA to confirm what you are allowed to do.
Key Takeaways
- Sign checks by writing the account holder's name, then "by" and your own name, so the bank knows you are acting as power of attorney and not cashing the check yourself.
- Read the power of attorney document before signing anything, because it may not give you authority over bank accounts or checks.
- Call your bank before you deposit or write the first check, because some banks require you to register the POA document with them and may have their own signing rules.
- Keep the original power of attorney document with you when you sign checks, because banks often ask to see it.
- If the account holder is still alive and able to sign, some banks will not let you sign checks on their behalf even with a valid POA.
Register the power of attorney with the bank first
Most banks will not let you sign checks as power of attorney until you have registered the document with them. Call the bank's main number and ask for the department that handles powers of attorney — it may be called the legal department, trust department, or customer service. Tell them you have a power of attorney and want to sign checks on the account.
The bank will ask you to bring in the original power of attorney document or a certified copy. Some banks accept a photocopy if you show them the original in person. They may also ask for your ID and the account holder's ID. Once they have reviewed the document, they will either approve you to sign or tell you that the POA does not cover banking, or that it is not valid in their state. This step takes a few days to a week, so do it before you need to sign a check.
If the account holder is still alive and mentally able to sign, some banks will refuse to let you sign checks even with a valid POA. They may require the account holder to be present or to sign a separate authorization. Ask the bank directly what their policy is — do not assume you can sign just because you have the document.
The correct signature format for checks
Write the account holder's name on the signature line. Below it, write "by" and then your own name. For example, if you are signing for Margaret Chen, write:
Margaret Chenby Sarah Okafor
Some banks accept this format instead:
Margaret Chen, Power of AttorneySarah Okafor
A few banks have their own signature format and will tell you what to write when you register the POA. If the bank gave you instructions, follow those exactly. If you are not sure, ask the bank before you sign the check — a rejected check costs time and may trigger overdraft fees.
Do not sign only your own name, and do not write "POA" without the account holder's name. Banks treat those as personal checks in your name, not checks you are signing on behalf of someone else. If you sign that way, you could be held personally responsible for the check, and the account holder's funds may not be released.
What to do if the bank rejects your signature
If a check you signed comes back marked "signature does not match" or "improper power of attorney signature," contact the bank when ready. Ask them what format they need. Some banks have specific rules about where to write "by" or whether to include "Power of Attorney" on the check itself.
Write a new check using the format the bank specifies. If the bank says the POA document itself is not valid — for example, because it was not notarized or because it expired — you will need to get a new power of attorney document from the account holder or their lawyer before you can sign any more checks.
Keep the power of attorney document with you
Carry a certified copy of the power of attorney document whenever you sign checks or conduct banking business on someone else's behalf. Banks often ask to see it, and some tellers will not process a check without seeing the document in person. A certified copy is a photocopy that has been stamped and signed by a notary public or by the court that issued the original.
If you do not have a certified copy, ask the person who created the POA or their lawyer for one. If the original document is lost, you may need to go back to court to get a certified copy from the court records. Keep the certified copy in a safe place and bring it to the bank every time you sign a check, at least for the first few transactions until the bank staff know you.
What happens if you sign a check without authority
If you sign a check as power of attorney when the document does not give you that authority, or if the POA has expired, you can be held personally liable for the check. The bank may pursue you for the funds, and the account holder or their family could sue you for misusing the power of attorney. In some cases, signing checks without authority is considered fraud or theft.
If you are unsure whether your POA covers checks, do not sign. Contact the person who created the document, their lawyer, or the bank's legal department. It takes a few days to get an answer, but it is much faster than dealing with a rejected check or a lawsuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sign a check as power of attorney if the account holder is still alive?
Yes, if the power of attorney document says you can and the bank approves it. Some banks require the account holder to be present or to sign a separate authorization even with a valid POA. Call the bank before you sign to confirm they will accept your signature.
What if the power of attorney document is old or expired?
Do not sign checks with an expired POA. The bank will reject it, and you could be held liable for the check. Ask the account holder or their lawyer whether the document is still valid. If it has expired, a new power of attorney document must be created and notarized.
Do I need to write "Power of Attorney" on the check itself?
Not always. The standard format is to write the account holder's name and then "by" and your name. Some banks ask you to write "Power of Attorney" on the memo line or after the account holder's name. Ask your bank what format they require before you sign the first check.
What if the bank says my power of attorney is not valid?
Ask the bank why — it may be because the document was not notarized, because it expired, or because it does not cover banking. If the POA is valid but the bank is refusing it anyway, ask to speak to the bank's legal department. You may need to provide a certified copy or have the account holder sign a separate authorization.
Can I deposit a check made out to the account holder if I have power of attorney?
Yes, if the bank has registered your POA. Sign the back of the check the same way you sign checks — write the account holder's name, then "by" and your name. Some banks ask you to write "Power of Attorney" on the back as well. Call the bank before you deposit to confirm their process.