Power of Attorney Requirements in Maryland
Maryland requires a power of attorney to be signed by the principal, acknowledged before a notary public, and signed by two adult witnesses, one of whom may be the notary.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Maryland at a glance
- Notarization
- Required
- Witnesses
- 2 witnesses
- In addition to the notary
- Uniform Power of Attorney Act
- Adopted (2010)
The rules in Maryland
Does a power of attorney need to be notarized in Maryland?
Maryland requires a power of attorney to be acknowledged before a notary and signed in front of two witnesses.
How many witnesses does a power of attorney need in Maryland?
Two, in addition to the notary.
Has Maryland adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act?
Yes. The Uniform Law Commission lists the enactment in 2010.
Where do the Maryland rules for powers of attorney come from?
They come from Md. Code, Estates and Trusts 17-110, Md. Code, Estates and Trusts 17-110 and Uniform Law Commission, Power of Attorney Act. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Maryland compares
Maryland is one of 24 jurisdictions that require notarization.
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.