Sign with your name, then your title

When you sign a document as power of attorney, you sign the principal's name first, then add your own signature below it with "Power of Attorney" or "Attorney-in-Fact" next to your name. The exact format depends on what the document requires and what state law governs it, but the core rule is the same: make it clear you are signing on behalf of someone else, not for yourself.

The document itself will often show you where to sign. If it has a signature line that says "Principal" or the name of the person you represent, sign that line with their name. Then on the next line or in a separate space, sign your own name and write your title. Some documents ask you to print your name as well as sign it—follow those instructions exactly.

Never sign only your own name and leave the principal's name blank, and never sign the principal's name without identifying yourself as the power of attorney. Both mistakes create legal problems: the first makes it look like you are acting for yourself, and the second makes it look like the principal signed it themselves.

Key Takeaways

  • Sign the principal's name on the line designated for their signature, then sign your own name below it with your title as Power of Attorney or Attorney-in-Fact.
  • The document itself usually shows you where to sign and what format to use—follow those instructions before you sign anything.
  • Some institutions require you to show the power of attorney document itself before they will accept your signature, so have it ready.
  • Different states have different rules about how to sign, so check whether the document is governed by your state's law or another state's law.
  • If you are unsure whether you have the authority to sign a particular document, contact the institution or ask an attorney before you sign.

Check the document for signature instructions

Before you sign anything, read the entire document to find where it tells you how to sign. Many forms have a specific format printed right on them. You might see a line that says "Principal's Signature," another that says "Attorney-in-Fact Signature," and a third that says "Print Name." Follow that layout exactly.

Some documents ask you to write "By" before the principal's name—for example, "By John Smith, Power of Attorney." Others want you to write the principal's name, then on the next line write your name with "as Power of Attorney" or "POA" after it. A few documents ask you to initial certain sections or to sign in the presence of a notary. Read the whole form first so you do not sign in the wrong place or in the wrong way.

If the document does not give you clear instructions, use this standard format: write the principal's name on the signature line, then below it write your own name followed by "Power of Attorney" or "Attorney-in-Fact." This works for most situations and is recognized in all states.

Provide the power of attorney document itself

Many institutions—banks, insurance companies, government offices—will not accept your signature as power of attorney unless you show them the actual power of attorney document that gives you that authority. They need to see the original or a certified copy to verify that you really do have the legal right to sign on the principal's behalf.

Before you sign anything, contact the institution handling the document and ask what they need. Some want the original power of attorney document. Others accept a certified copy, which is a photocopy stamped and signed by a notary public or court clerk to confirm it matches the original. A few will accept a straightforward photocopy if it is clear and complete. Asking first saves you from signing a document that the institution will reject because you did not provide the right proof.

Keep a certified copy of your power of attorney on hand for this reason. You can get one from the notary public or attorney who created the original, or from the court clerk's office in the county where it was filed. Having it ready means you can sign documents faster and avoid delays.

Understand state-specific signing rules

Each state has its own rules about how a power of attorney signature must look. Some states require the principal's name to appear first, followed by the attorney-in-fact's signature. Others want you to write "By" before the principal's name. A few states require the power of attorney document itself to be attached to or filed with the signed document.

If the document you are signing is governed by your state's law—for example, a power of attorney for a bank account in your state—follow your state's rules. If the document is governed by another state's law, follow that state's rules instead. The document itself usually says which state's law applies. If you cannot find that information, contact the institution or ask an attorney.

The safest approach is to ask the institution what format they want before you sign. They handle these documents every day and know exactly what their state requires. A five-minute phone call can prevent you from having to sign the document again.

Know when you need a notary

Some documents require your signature as power of attorney to be notarized—that is, witnessed and certified by a notary public. This is common for real estate transactions, certain financial documents, and court filings. The document will say "Notary Public" or "Notarization Required" if this applies. Do not sign until you know whether notarization is needed.

If notarization is required, you must sign in front of the notary public. They will watch you sign, check your identification, and then stamp and sign the document themselves to certify that you really did sign it in their presence. You cannot sign first and have it notarized later—the notary must see you sign.

Find a notary public through your bank, your attorney's office, a UPS Store, or an online search for "notary public near me." Bring your power of attorney document and your identification. The notary will ask you to confirm that you are signing as power of attorney and that you understand what the document says. The whole process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Avoid common signing mistakes

The most common mistake is signing only your own name without the principal's name or your title. This makes it look like you are signing for yourself, not as power of attorney, and the institution will reject it. Always sign the principal's name first, then your own name with your title.

Another mistake is signing a document you do not have authority to sign. Your power of attorney document lists what you are allowed to do—it might cover only financial matters, or only real estate, or only healthcare decisions. If the document you are about to sign is outside that scope, you do not have the authority to sign it, and signing anyway can create legal problems for both you and the principal. If you are unsure, contact the institution or ask an attorney before you sign.

A third mistake is signing without having the power of attorney document with you or without telling the institution that you are signing as power of attorney. Many institutions will not accept the signature if they do not know you were acting as power of attorney. Always disclose your role upfront and provide proof of your authority.

What to do if the institution refuses your signature

If a bank, insurance company, or other institution refuses to accept your signature as power of attorney, ask them why. They might say the power of attorney document is too old, does not cover the specific transaction, or does not meet their state's requirements. Once you know the reason, you can fix it.

If the power of attorney is too old, the principal may need to create a new one. If it does not cover the transaction, the principal may need to create a new power of attorney with broader authority. If it does not meet the state's requirements, an attorney can review it and advise whether it is valid or needs to be redone. In some cases, the institution will accept a letter from an attorney confirming that the power of attorney is valid—ask whether that would help.

If you believe the institution is wrongly refusing your signature, you can ask to speak with a manager or contact your state's attorney general's office for guidance. But the fastest solution is usually to work with the institution to understand what they need and provide it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I sign the principal's name in their handwriting or my own?

Sign in your own handwriting. You are not forging the principal's signature—you are signing on their behalf. Write their name in your normal handwriting, then sign your own name below it with your title. This makes it clear that you signed the document as their attorney-in-fact, not that they signed it themselves.

What if the principal is right there with me—should they sign too?

Only if the document requires both signatures. Some documents ask for the principal's signature and the power of attorney's signature on separate lines. Others ask only for the power of attorney's signature. Read the document to see what it requires. If you are unsure, ask the institution before anyone signs.

Can I sign documents if my power of attorney has expired?

No. Once the power of attorney expires, you no longer have the authority to sign on the principal's behalf. If the principal wants you to continue signing documents, they need to create a new power of attorney before the old one expires. Check the expiration date on your document before you sign anything.

Do I need to tell the principal every time I sign a document as power of attorney?

Yes. The principal has the right to know what you are doing on their behalf. Keeping them informed also protects you—if there is ever a dispute about whether you had authority to sign, you can show that the principal knew about it and did not object. If the principal is unable to communicate, document what you are signing and why.

What happens if I sign a document I was not supposed to sign?

The principal can challenge the signature and may be able to undo the transaction, but this creates legal complications and delays. To avoid this, always check your power of attorney document before you sign anything to confirm you have the authority to do so. If you are unsure, ask an attorney or the institution before you sign.