Power of Attorney Requirements in California
California requires a dated power of attorney signed by the principal that is either acknowledged before a notary public or signed by at least two qualified witnesses.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
California at a glance
- Notarization
- Notary or witnesses
- Either a notary or two qualified witnesses
- Witnesses
- 2 witnesses
- When the document is not notarized
- Uniform Power of Attorney Act
- Not adopted
- California uses its own statute
The rules in California
Does a power of attorney need to be notarized in California?
California accepts either a notary acknowledgment or two qualified witnesses.
How many witnesses does a power of attorney need in California?
Two, if the power of attorney is not notarized.
Has California adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act?
No. California has its own power of attorney statute rather than the Uniform Power of Attorney Act.
Where do the California rules for powers of attorney come from?
They come from Cal. Prob. Code 4121, Cal. Prob. Code 4121, Cal. Prob. Code 4401 and 1 other source. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How California compares
California is one of 4 jurisdictions that accept either a notary or witnesses.
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.