Power of Attorney Requirements in Michigan
Michigan's Uniform Power of Attorney Act requires a durable power of attorney signed by the principal to be either acknowledged before a notary or signed in the presence of two witnesses who also sign.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Michigan 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
- Adopted (2024)
- A substantially similar version
The rules in Michigan
Does a power of attorney need to be notarized in Michigan?
Michigan accepts either a notary acknowledgment or two qualified witnesses.
How many witnesses does a power of attorney need in Michigan?
Two, if the power of attorney is not notarized.
Has Michigan adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act?
Yes, in a substantially similar version. The Uniform Law Commission lists the enactment in 2024.
Where do the Michigan rules for powers of attorney come from?
They come from MCL 556.205 Execution of power of attorney, MCL 556.201 Short title, uniform power of attorney act 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 Michigan compares
Michigan 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.