Power of Attorney Requirements in Washington
Washington requires a power of attorney to be signed and dated and either notarized or signed by two qualified witnesses.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Washington 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 (2016)
The rules in Washington
Does a power of attorney need to be notarized in Washington?
Washington accepts either a notary acknowledgment or two qualified witnesses.
How many witnesses does a power of attorney need in Washington?
Two, if the power of attorney is not notarized.
Has Washington adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act?
Yes. The Uniform Law Commission lists the enactment in 2016.
Where do the Washington rules for powers of attorney come from?
They come from RCW 11.125.050 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 Washington compares
Washington 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.