Power of Attorney Requirements in Ohio
Ohio requires only the principal's signature on a power of attorney, but notarizing it makes the signature presumed genuine and is required if the power will be used for real estate.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Ohio at a glance
- Notarization
- Optional, recommended
- A notarized signature is presumed genuine
- Witnesses
- None
- Uniform Power of Attorney Act
- Adopted (2012)
The rules in Ohio
Does a power of attorney need to be notarized in Ohio?
Notarization is optional in Ohio, 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 Ohio?
None. Ohio does not require witnesses for a power of attorney.
Has Ohio adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act?
Yes. The Uniform Law Commission lists the enactment in 2012.
Where do the Ohio rules for powers of attorney come from?
They come from Ohio Rev. Code 1337.25, Ohio Rev. Code 1337.04 and Uniform Law Commission, Power of Attorney Act enactment history. We last checked them in October 2026. Laws change, so check the current statute before you rely on it.
How Ohio compares
Ohio 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.