Power of Attorney Requirements in Wisconsin
Wisconsin requires only the principal's signature on a power of attorney, while notarization is optional but makes the signature presumed genuine.
Last checked . General information, not legal advice.
Wisconsin at a glance
- Notarization
- Optional, recommended
- A notarized signature is presumed genuine
- Witnesses
- None
- Uniform Power of Attorney Act
- Adopted (2010)
The rules in Wisconsin
Does a power of attorney need to be notarized in Wisconsin?
Notarization is optional in Wisconsin, 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 Wisconsin?
None. Wisconsin does not require witnesses for a power of attorney.
Has Wisconsin adopted the Uniform Power of Attorney Act?
Yes. The Uniform Law Commission lists the enactment in 2010.
Where do the Wisconsin rules for powers of attorney come from?
They come from Wis. Stat. 244.05 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 Wisconsin compares
Wisconsin 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.