If you hold a power of attorney, the way you sign matters as much as the document itself. Banks, title companies and the DMV reject POA signatures that do not show who is really signing.
How to sign as power of attorney
You sign your own name and make it clear you are acting as agent. Either format works:
- Jane Doe, as agent for John Doe
- John Doe, by Jane Doe, his agent
Never sign only the principal’s name, and never sign your name alone with no mention of the POA. The first looks like forgery. The second looks like you are signing for yourself. Some institutions also want the date of the POA and a certified copy attached.
How to sign for a power of attorney on a New York form
The New York statutory short form is signed by the person granting the power (the principal) and acknowledged before a notary with two witnesses. The agent has their own signature section on the form too. Our guide on the statutory form walks through each part. Once the POA is valid, the agent uses it by signing the way shown above.
We prepare the New York statutory form with the notary and both witnesses. $75, plus $35 per witness. Get a power of attorney →
Where to get power of attorney forms
- The statutory short form in New York is set out in the General Obligations Law. Courts and bar association sites publish blank copies.
- The institution you need it for. Some banks and brokerages want their own POA form instead of the state form. Ask first.
- A prepared form with notarization and witnesses arranged for you, so it is signed correctly the first time. We prepare the signing, the notary and the witnesses.
How to fill out a power of attorney form
- Write the principal’s full legal name and address.
- Name the agent, and a successor agent if you want a backup.
- Choose which powers the agent gets, such as banking, real estate or taxes.
- Add any limits or special instructions.
- Do not sign until you are with the notary and the witnesses.
Typing a power of attorney letter
A typed letter that says “I give my son power of attorney” is usually not enough for a bank or title company. In New York, the statutory form is what institutions expect, and a plain letter is one of the common reasons they refuse a POA.
Durable power of attorney
A New York POA remains in effect if the principal later loses capacity, unless the document says otherwise. If you want one that only starts when capacity is lost, that is a different structure called a springing POA, and it has its own pitfalls.
Frequently asked questions
How do you sign as power of attorney?
Sign your own name followed by your role, such as Jane Doe, as agent for John Doe, or John Doe by Jane Doe, his agent. Never sign only the principal’s name.
Where can I get power of attorney forms?
The New York statutory short form is published in the General Obligations Law and on court and bar association websites. Banks may also have their own forms.
How can I get power of attorney papers?
Use the proper form, have the principal sign in front of a notary and two witnesses, and give the agent copies. We arrange the notary and witnesses.
Can I type my own power of attorney letter?
A plain letter is often refused by banks and title companies. New York institutions expect the statutory form.
How do I get a durable power of attorney?
A New York POA is durable by default unless it says otherwise. Sign it correctly with a notary and two witnesses so it is valid.
Related reading
- The New York statutory short form, explained
- How many witnesses does a POA need in New York?
- Durable vs springing power of attorney
- Why a bank rejected your POA
- How to revoke a power of attorney
This article is general information, not legal advice. Laws, court fees and forms change, so confirm with the court or agency involved. NotarEaseNYC is a notary service, not a law firm, and a notary cannot advise you on what to write or which legal route to take.