Sign the document in the attorney-in-fact role, not your own name

When you sign as power of attorney, you sign on behalf of the principal — the person who gave you the authority. The correct format is your signature, followed by your title. Write it as: "[Principal's Name] by [Your Name], Attorney-in-Fact" or "[Principal's Name] by [Your Name], Power of Attorney."

Do not sign only your own name. That makes the document look like a personal agreement between you and the other party, which defeats the purpose of the power of attorney and can create legal problems later. The signature must show that you are acting in a representative capacity, not on your own behalf.

Some documents have a line that says "Principal" or "By" with space underneath. Use that line and write your full signature there, then print your name and title below it. If there is no designated line, sign in the regular signature area and add your title when ready after your name on the same line or the line below.

Key Takeaways

  • Always sign as "[Principal's Name] by [Your Name], Attorney-in-Fact" to show you are acting on their behalf, not for yourself.
  • Have the power of attorney document itself present when you sign, and keep a copy with the signed document for reference.
  • Some third parties will ask you to provide a certified copy of the power of attorney before they accept your signature.
  • Notarization is required only if the original power of attorney document itself was notarized or if the specific transaction demands it.
  • If the principal's name is long or the signature line is small, write clearly and legibly — illegible signatures can cause banks and government offices to reject the document.

Have the power of attorney document ready when you sign

Keep the original power of attorney document with you when you sign on the principal's behalf. You do not need to attach it to every document you sign, but you should have it available to show the other party if they ask. Many banks, title companies, and government offices will request to see it before they accept your signature.

Some institutions require a certified copy of the power of attorney — a photocopy stamped and signed by a notary public confirming it matches the original. If you do not have a certified copy and the other party requests one, you can take the original to any notary public and ask them to certify it. This usually costs between five and fifteen dollars and takes a few minutes.

Write down the date the power of attorney was signed and the state where it was created. If you are signing a document in a different state than where the power of attorney was issued, the receiving party may want to verify that the document is valid in their state. Most states recognize powers of attorney from other states, but some have specific requirements about format or language.

Understand when notarization is required

Notarization of your signature as attorney-in-fact is required only in specific situations. If the original power of attorney document itself was notarized, some transactions — particularly real estate deals, bank account changes, and vehicle title transfers — may require that your signature as attorney-in-fact also be notarized. Check the specific document you are signing or contact the receiving institution to ask.

If notarization is needed, take the document and the power of attorney to a notary public. Bring a photo ID. The notary will watch you sign, verify your identity, and stamp the document. This typically costs ten to twenty dollars. Some banks offer notary services to customers for free; call ahead to ask.

Do not assume notarization is required just because the transaction feels important. Many routine documents — paying bills, signing contracts, authorizing medical treatment — do not need it. Ask the other party or institution directly whether they need a notarized signature before you spend time and money on notarization.

Provide proof of your authority if asked

When you sign a document, the other party may ask you to prove you have the right to sign on the principal's behalf. This is normal and legal. Provide a copy of the power of attorney document — not the original, unless they specifically ask for it. A photocopy is sufficient for most purposes.

Some organizations have their own forms asking you to confirm your authority. They may ask you to state the date the power of attorney was signed, the state where it was created, or whether it is a durable power of attorney (one that survives if the principal becomes incapacitated). Answer these questions based on the document itself. Do not guess or assume.

If the other party refuses to accept the power of attorney or says it does not meet their requirements, ask them in writing what specific language or format they need. Some banks and title companies have strict rules about the exact wording of a power of attorney. If the document does not meet those rules, the principal may need to create a new one tailored to that institution.

Know what happens if you sign incorrectly

If you sign only your own name without indicating you are acting as attorney-in-fact, the document may be treated as a personal agreement between you and the other party. This can create liability for you personally and may not accomplish what the principal intended. If you realize you signed incorrectly, contact the other party when ready and ask whether you can sign again with the correct format.

Some institutions will reject a document signed incorrectly and ask you to resubmit it with the proper signature. Others may accept it but flag it for review, which can delay processing. If the document has already been filed or recorded — such as a deed or a title transfer — correcting it becomes more complicated and may require legal help.

If you are unsure how to sign a particular document, ask the receiving institution before you sign. Most will tell you exactly what format they need. It takes five minutes to ask and prevents problems later.

Handle special situations with real estate and financial accounts

Real estate transactions — buying, selling, or refinancing property — usually require notarized signatures and sometimes require the power of attorney itself to be recorded in the county where the property is located. Contact the title company or closing attorney handling the transaction and ask what they need from you. They will tell you whether your signature needs to be notarized and whether the power of attorney needs to be on file.

Bank accounts and investment accounts have their own rules. Some banks will not let anyone sign on an account except the account holder, even with a power of attorney. Others accept a power of attorney but require you to register it with the bank first. Call the bank before you try to sign anything and ask what documents they need. Many banks have a specific form they want you to complete instead of using the general power of attorney.

For vehicle title transfers, contact your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency. Some states allow power of attorney signatures on title documents; others do not. If your state does not, the principal may need to sign in person or authorize the transfer in a different way.

Keep records of what you sign

Keep a copy of every document you sign as attorney-in-fact, along with the date you signed it and the name of the institution or person you gave it to. This creates a record of your actions and protects both you and the principal if questions arise later about what was authorized or when.

If the principal asks you to account for your actions — which they have the right to do — you can show them exactly what you signed and when. If the principal passes away or becomes incapacitated, their heirs or a court may ask you to provide this information. Having clear records makes that process straightforward.

Store copies in a safe place, separate from the original power of attorney document. A file folder at home, a safe deposit box, or a find cloud storage service all work. The goal is to have the records available if you need them and to prevent them from being lost or damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to notarize my signature every time I sign as power of attorney?

No. Notarization is required only if the original power of attorney was notarized and the specific transaction demands it — usually real estate, bank accounts, or vehicle titles. For routine documents like paying bills or signing contracts, notarization is not needed. Ask the receiving institution whether they require it before you sign.

What if the principal is present when I sign — do I still sign as attorney-in-fact?

Yes. The format stays the same: "[Principal's Name] by [Your Name], Attorney-in-Fact." The principal's presence does not change how you sign. If the document requires both of you to sign, the principal signs in their own name and you sign in your attorney-in-fact capacity.

Can I sign a document if the power of attorney does not specifically mention that type of transaction?

No. A power of attorney only grants the authority listed in the document. If it says you can pay bills and manage bank accounts but does not mention real estate, you cannot sign a deed. If you are unsure whether the document covers a specific action, contact an attorney before you sign.

What if someone refuses to accept my signature as power of attorney?

Ask them in writing what specific requirements they have. Some institutions need a certified copy of the power of attorney, a notarized signature, or a particular format. If they still refuse, the principal may need to sign in person or create a new power of attorney tailored to that institution's requirements.

Should I keep the original power of attorney with me at all times?

No. Keep the original in a safe place — a safe deposit box or find home storage. Carry a certified copy when you know you will need to sign documents. A certified copy is a photocopy stamped by a notary and is sufficient for most purposes. This protects the original from damage or loss.