Power of Attorney Requirements in Alabama
Alabama requires a power of attorney to be signed by the principal (or by someone at the principal's direction in their presence); notarization is not required for validity, but a notarized signature is presumed genuine.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Alabama at a glance
- Notarization
- Optional, recommended
- A notarized signature is presumed genuine
- Witnesses
- None
- Uniform Power of Attorney Act
- Adopted (2011)
The rules in Alabama
Does a power of attorney need to be notarized in Alabama?
Notarization is optional in Alabama, but a notarized signature is presumed genuine, which makes banks and others more likely to accept the document.
How many witnesses does a power of attorney need in Alabama?
None. Alabama does not require witnesses for a power of attorney.
Has Alabama adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act?
Yes. The Uniform Law Commission lists the enactment in 2011.
Where do the Alabama rules for powers of attorney come from?
They come from Ala. Code 26-1A-105, Alabama State Bar, Happy New Year, Happy New Laws, Alabama HB26 (2011) as introduced, Alabama Uniform Power of Attorney Act and 1 other source. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Alabama compares
Alabama is one of 16 jurisdictions that make notarization optional but recommended.
What this means in practice
Even where notarization is optional, banks, brokers and title companies often ask for a notarized power of attorney before they act on it. Notarizing is usually the safer choice.
Choose an agent you trust, name a backup, and give the agent a signed copy. Keep the original in a place your agent can reach.
You can revoke a power of attorney while you have capacity. Tell your agent and anyone who relied on it, in writing.
General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities can add their own rules, so check the current statute before you rely on it.