What Is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants one person — called the agent or attorney-in-fact — the authority to act on behalf of another person, called the principal. The agent can make financial, legal, or medical decisions depending on what type of POA is created.
Powers of Attorney are one of the most important estate planning documents a person can have. They are commonly used when someone becomes ill or incapacitated, when traveling abroad, or when handling real estate transactions while out of state.
Types of Power of Attorney We Notarize
- Durable Power of Attorney — Remains in effect if the principal becomes incapacitated. The most common for elder care planning.
- Limited (Special) Power of Attorney — Grants authority for a specific transaction or time period (e.g., signing real estate documents while you're out of town).
- Springing Power of Attorney — Only takes effect when a specific event occurs, such as incapacitation.
- Financial Power of Attorney — Covers banking, investments, bill paying, and financial decisions.
- Healthcare Power of Attorney / Healthcare Proxy — Grants medical decision-making authority. Often paired with an Advance Healthcare Directive.
Does a POA Need to Be Notarized?
In California, a Durable Power of Attorney must be signed before either a notary public or two adult witnesses. However, notarization is strongly recommended for all Power of Attorney documents because:
- Banks and financial institutions almost universally require a notarized POA before honoring it
- Courts and government agencies prefer notarized documents
- Real estate transactions require notarization of any POA used to transfer property
- A notarized POA is much harder to challenge or dispute later
- Out-of-state use often requires notarization
⚠️ Hospital & Senior Care: When a loved one is in the hospital and time is critical, our notaries can come to the bedside — often same day. Don't wait on paperwork. Call us at (916) 222-2251.
What to Have Ready
Before your notary appointment, make sure you have the following:
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID — not expired)
- Your unsigned Power of Attorney document (do not sign it in advance)
- All signers present if multiple parties need to sign
- Any witnesses required by your attorney (some POA documents require witnesses in addition to notarization)
- A complete document — the notary cannot notarize documents with blank spaces meant to be filled in later
- Payment for notary services (cash, Venmo, or credit card accepted)
- Do NOT sign the document before the notary arrives — a pre-signed POA cannot be notarized
- Do NOT present an expired ID — the notary must decline if they cannot verify your identity
- Do NOT submit a document with blank spaces — fill in everything before the appointment
- Do NOT use a photocopy of someone else's ID — the signer must be physically present
- Do NOT assume the notary will draft the document — we notarize, not provide legal advice. Have an attorney draft your POA if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
California law allows a Durable Power of Attorney to be executed before either a notary public or two adult witnesses. However, notarization is required if the POA involves real estate, and most banks and financial institutions will only accept a notarized POA. We strongly recommend notarizing all POA documents.
No. You must sign your Power of Attorney in the presence of the notary. The notary must witness the act of signing. Pre-signed documents cannot be notarized and must be re-done.
Yes. Our notaries regularly travel to hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living communities throughout Sacramento. We visit UC Davis Medical Center, Sutter Medical Center, Mercy General, Kaiser Permanente, and more. Same-day hospital visits are often available — call us.
Yes. The principal (the person granting the authority) must be mentally competent and acting of their own free will at the time of signing. A notary must decline to notarize if there is reason to believe the signer does not understand what they are signing or is under duress.
The notary fee is $15 per notarized signature — the California state-regulated maximum. Travel fees typically start at $50 for standard locations and $65 for hospitals and care facilities. Exact pricing depends on travel time and distance — call or text (916) 222-2251 for a quick quote.
Need a Power of Attorney Notarized Today?
We come to you — home, hospital, office, or anywhere in Sacramento. Same-day appointments often available.