Power of Attorney Requirements in West Virginia
West Virginia requires a power of attorney to be signed and acknowledged by the principal before a notary public, with no witnesses required.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
West Virginia at a glance
- Notarization
- Required
- Witnesses
- None
- Uniform Power of Attorney Act
- Adopted (2012)
The rules in West Virginia
Does a power of attorney need to be notarized in West Virginia?
West Virginia requires a power of attorney to be acknowledged before a notary.
How many witnesses does a power of attorney need in West Virginia?
None. West Virginia does not require witnesses for a power of attorney, but it does require notarization.
Has West Virginia adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act?
Yes. The Uniform Law Commission lists the enactment in 2012.
Where do the West Virginia rules for powers of attorney come from?
They come from W. Va. Code 39B-1-105 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 West Virginia compares
West Virginia 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.