Getting a Power of Attorney Notarized: In Person or Online
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Many states require or strongly expect a power of attorney (POA) to be notarized, and banks, title offices and agencies often refuse one that isn't. The exact rules (witnesses, specific statutory forms) are set by your state's law, so use your state's form or a lawyer's form.
Check these before you sign
- Does the recipient accept an online notarization? Online notarizations are performed under the law of the notary's commissioning state (Notarize states every state recognizes properly performed notarizations of other states). But the bank, DMV or county office receiving your POA decides what it will accept. Call and ask.
- Does it need witnesses? Some states require witnesses in addition to a notary. Online platforms vary in whether they can supply witnesses.
- Special-purpose POAs. Vehicle POAs often use the state's own form. For example, Ohio requires the original BMV 3771 Power of Attorney for Certificate of Title for title transfers (Ohio BMV).
Where remote online notarization (RON) stands
The National Association of Secretaries of State counts 47 states plus D.C. with a remote notarization law, but a law on the books isn't always operational yet. One industry review lists California, Georgia, Massachusetts, Mississippi, North Carolina and South Carolina as not yet operational, and Alabama and Connecticut as allowing only limited paper-based remote acts (USA Notary, Aug 2026). Signers in those states can often still use a notary commissioned in another state, but confirm the recipient will accept it.
In person vs online
| In person | Online | |
|---|---|---|
| Witnesses | Easy to bring your own | Depends on the platform |
| Acceptance | Widest | Ask the recipient first |
| Speed | Business hours | Often 24/7 |
| Housebound signer | Mobile notary can come to you | Works if the signer can use a camera and pass ID checks |
Online options
Related guides
- California Notary Fees (2026) and Where to Get Notarized
- Can Real Estate Documents Be Notarized Online?
- Can a Notary Complete Form I-9? (Authorized Representative Rules)
- Florida Notary Fees (2026), In Person and Online
- How to Notarize USPS Form 1583 (In Person or Online)
- Is Online Notarization Allowed in My State? (2026)