Power of Attorney Requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania requires a power of attorney to be dated, signed, acknowledged before a notary, and witnessed by two adults.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Pennsylvania at a glance
- Notarization
- Required
- Witnesses
- 2 witnesses
- In addition to the notary
- Uniform Power of Attorney Act
- Adopted (2014)
The rules in Pennsylvania
Does a power of attorney need to be notarized in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?
Two, in addition to the notary.
Has Pennsylvania adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act?
Yes. The Uniform Law Commission lists the enactment in 2014.
Where do the Pennsylvania rules for powers of attorney come from?
They come from 20 Pa.C.S. 5601 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 Pennsylvania compares
Pennsylvania 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.