A power of attorney is the document people most often need notarized in a hurry: a parent going into surgery, a deployment, a closing someone can't attend. Pennsylvania has specific execution rules, and a POA that skips them can be rejected by the bank or the title company when it matters most.
I notarize POAs online in about thirty minutes, or in person anywhere in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties, including hospital rooms and care facilities. If the principal is in a facility, book a morning slot before medication rounds and tell me who else will be in the room.
What it is
A power of attorney lets a person (the principal) appoint someone (the agent) to act on their behalf: finances, property, healthcare decisions, a single transaction, or everything. A durable POA stays in effect if the principal later becomes incapacitated; a limited POA covers one matter, such as closing on a house while you're away.
Who signs, and who has to be there
The principal signs, or directs someone else to sign in their conscious presence. Pennsylvania requires two adult witnesses who are not the agent and not the notary, plus a notary acknowledgment of the principal's signature. The agent signs a separate acknowledgment of duties before acting, which can be notarized at the same session or later. Everyone who signs needs photo ID.
The notarial act
The principal's signature takes an acknowledgment: the principal confirms to me, in person or on video, that the signature is theirs and was made willingly. That is one notarial act. If the document also includes an agent's acknowledgment with a notary block, that is a second act. Many attorney-prepared POAs come with the certificate already printed; if yours doesn't, I carry loose Pennsylvania acknowledgment certificates. I can't tell you whether this is the right document for your situation or what it does legally; that's for an attorney. I can tell you what the law requires for the notarization itself.
Online or in person?
Yes. Pennsylvania permits remote online notarization of a POA, and the two witnesses can join the video session with their own IDs. Banks and brokerages generally accept an electronically notarized POA, but a few still insist on wet ink with an embossed seal; if the POA is for a specific institution, ask them first or book a mobile visit to be safe.
Pennsylvania notes
- Pennsylvania's execution requirements for a power of attorney are in 20 Pa.C.S. § 5601(b): signed by the principal, two adult witnesses, and acknowledged before a notary public. The notary and the agent may not serve as witnesses.
- Most Pennsylvania POAs must include the statutory notice at the top, signed by the principal, and an agent's acknowledgment signed by the agent before acting (20 Pa.C.S. § 5601(c) and (d)).
- A healthcare power of attorney follows a different statute with its own witness rules; see the advance directives guide.
- I must be satisfied the principal understands the document and is signing freely. If that isn't clearly the case, Pennsylvania requires me to decline, and I will.
Common mistakes
- Signing before the appointment. The principal must sign in front of me (or acknowledge the signature as theirs), and the witnesses must see it.
- Using the agent or the agent's spouse as a witness.
- Leaving the agent's acknowledgment unsigned, then being turned away by the bank.
- Booking an afternoon hospital visit when the principal is sharpest in the morning.
- Assuming a POA from another state's form meets Pennsylvania's witness and notice requirements. Have an attorney confirm.
A notary public is not an attorney and cannot give legal advice, choose your certificate, or complete the document for you. This guide is preparation, not advice; your attorney or the recipient decides what the document must contain.