Power of attorney · Signing · Updated November 8, 2026
How do I sign as power of attorney?
Sign the principal's name, then the word "by," then your own signature and your role, for example "Jane Smith, by John Smith, attorney-in-fact," unless the document or the office receiving it asks for another format. If a notary is involved, bring your photo ID and the power of attorney itself.
Matthew Coleman, NJ Notary Public and NNA Certified Loan Signing Agent. Cranford, NJ. Fee confirmed before your session. Card charged only after it is complete. We aim to confirm within 15 minutes, 7am to 9pm.
Details
The signature line
You are signing for the principal, so the line shows both names and your capacity. The pattern above is common; some offices prefer "John Smith, attorney-in-fact for Jane Smith." Follow whatever the document, bank or title company specifies, and agree the exact wording before signing day, because a correction at the table can delay things.
What the bank, title company or office checks first
Most want to see the power of attorney before you sign anything. Some ask for the original or a certified copy, some have their own acceptance form, and some ask for a statement that the principal is alive and hasn't revoked it. A power of attorney ends at the principal's death, so after a death the estate's executor or administrator acts instead.
What the notary checks
The notary checks your photo ID, which must match your name as it appears in the power of attorney, and completes the certificate for your signature in that capacity. The notary can't tell you whether the power of attorney is good enough for the task, and can't draft or change one.
For a house sale or refinance
Send the power of attorney to the title company early so the lender can approve it; a general form that never mentions real estate is the one most often turned down. When an agent signs a deed, the power of attorney is typically recorded with it. More in using a power of attorney at a closing.
If the principal is abroad
A power of attorney signed in another country usually has to be notarized there and may need an apostille, which adds time. Start that step as early as you can.
What it costs
New Jersey caps the notary fee at $2.50 per notarial act. An online session's price is shown before you confirm, and a mobile visit adds a travel and service fee quoted before we confirm.
Get it notarized online today
Online notary: closed now · opens 7 AM ET · sessions by appointment
A New Jersey notary can notarize this with you on a video call, wherever you are in the U.S. $40 for the session, $10 for each extra signer. Any other fee shows in the booking form before you confirm. Open 7 am to 9 pm ET, every day, by appointment.
What you need
- A valid government photo ID
- A computer or phone with a camera
- The unsigned document
Our certificate states the act was performed using communication technology, as New Jersey law requires. What it must say
Most U.S. recipients accept a remotely notarized document; check with whoever will receive it. What to ask them · Several signers
How to book or request
Book an online session or a mobile visit and bring the power of attorney, the document you're signing (unsigned) and your photo ID. Not sure the document needs a notary? Check it with the free tool first.
Book a notaryDoes my document need a notary? Call (908) 444-6373
Common questions
Do I sign my name or the principal's name?
Usually both: the principal's name, then "by," then your own signature and "attorney-in-fact" or "agent." Use the format the receiving office asks for if it has one.
Can I still sign after the principal dies?
No. A power of attorney ends at the principal's death. The executor or administrator of the estate takes over.
Can I sign as agent in an online notarization?
Often, if the office receiving the document accepts an electronic notarization. Ask them first, and have the power of attorney ready to show.
Does a power of attorney itself need to be notarized?
That depends on the state and the use. See the requirements by state, and ask the bank or title company what they accept.
Related
- Power of attorney requirements by state
- Signing a durable power of attorney: notary steps
- Using a power of attorney at a real estate closing
- Limited power of attorney for one task
- Executor paperwork by state
General information, not legal advice. We are not lawyers, and MCC Solutions is not a law firm. Whether a power of attorney covers what you're doing is a question for the office receiving it or an attorney. Updated November 8, 2026.