Power of Attorney Requirements in Missouri
Missouri requires a durable power of attorney to be signed and dated by the principal and acknowledged like a real estate deed, which means notarization, with no witnesses required.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Missouri at a glance
- Notarization
- Required
- Witnesses
- None
- Uniform Power of Attorney Act
- Not adopted
- Missouri uses its own statute
The rules in Missouri
Does a power of attorney need to be notarized in Missouri?
Missouri requires a power of attorney to be acknowledged before a notary.
How many witnesses does a power of attorney need in Missouri?
None. Missouri does not require witnesses for a power of attorney, but it does require notarization.
Has Missouri adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act?
No. Missouri has its own power of attorney statute rather than the Uniform Power of Attorney Act.
Where do the Missouri rules for powers of attorney come from?
They come from RSMo 404.705 Durable power of attorney requirements 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 Missouri compares
Missouri 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.