Not required, but recommended.
A signature is presumed genuine if acknowledged before a notary; the section doesn't make notarization a condition of validity. For real property it must be recorded, which needs an acknowledgment.
In the official wording
"A signature on a power of attorney is presumed to be genuine if the principal acknowledges the signature before a notary public."
From Ohio Revised Code chapter 1337, Power of Attorney (Ohio Laws), checked November 2026.
What else the signing needs
- Witnesses
- None under the execution rule we read. The execution section doesn't mention witnesses.
"A signature on a power of attorney is presumed to be genuine if the principal acknowledges the signature before a notary public."
- Agent's acknowledgment
- An agent accepts by acting or other conduct showing acceptance (R.C. 1337.33).
"a person accepts appointment as an agent under a power of attorney by exercising authority or performing duties as an agent"
- Recording for real estate
- A power of attorney for real property is recorded with the county recorder where the property is, before the deed or other instrument is recorded (R.C. 1337.04).
"shall be recorded in the office of the county recorder of the county in which such property is situated"
- Durable after incapacity
- Durable unless it says incapacity ends it.
"is durable unless it expressly provides that it is terminated by the incapacity of the principal."
Not confirmed on the pages we read: an official form. Check with Ohio Revised Code chapter 1337, Power of Attorney (Ohio Laws).
Next step
Sign by video with our New Jersey notary while you're in Ohio, 7 AM to 9 PM Eastern, seven days a week, by appointment. New Jersey law lets a New Jersey notary notarize for a signer located in another state (N.J.S.A. 52:7-10.10). How Ohio treats it: Ohio gives notarial acts performed outside Ohio, for use in Ohio, the same effect (ORC §147.51). More on Ohio signers.
If the agent will use it for real estate, ask the title company or the county recorder before you sign.
Book an online notarization Request a mobile notary in Ohio
In person, we look for a notary commissioned in Ohio near you; you approve the price first.
If a local notary in Ohio does it: Up to $5 for a notarial act that is not an online notarization, under the state's fee rules (Ohio notary fees).
And a health care power of attorney?
A notary or witnesses. A health care power of attorney is signed and dated, then witnessed by two adults or acknowledged before a notary. Relatives, the agent, the attending physician and the nursing home administrator can't witness.
"shall be witnessed by at least two individuals who are adults."
Two adult witnesses if you don't use a notary.
From Ohio Revised Code chapter 1337, Power of Attorney (Ohio Laws). A health care document follows its own signing rule, separate from the financial one.
Official sources
- Ohio Revised Code chapter 1337, Power of Attorney (Ohio Laws) (checked November 2026)
We are not lawyers, and this is general information, not legal advice. Checked November 2026. Rules change, and whoever receives the document decides what it accepts; we can't guarantee acceptance.
Common questions
Is notarization required for a power of attorney in Ohio?
Not required, but recommended. A signature is presumed genuine if acknowledged before a notary; the section doesn't make notarization a condition of validity. For real property it must be recorded, which needs an acknowledgment.
Are witnesses needed for a Ohio power of attorney?
None under the execution rule we read. The execution section doesn't mention witnesses.
Does the agent sign anything in Ohio?
An agent accepts by acting or other conduct showing acceptance (R.C. 1337.33).
Does a Ohio power of attorney have to be recorded for a house sale?
A power of attorney for real property is recorded with the county recorder where the property is, before the deed or other instrument is recorded (R.C. 1337.04).
Does a medical power of attorney need a notary in Ohio?
A notary or witnesses. A health care power of attorney is signed and dated, then witnessed by two adults or acknowledged before a notary. Relatives, the agent, the attending physician and the nursing home administrator can't witness.
Can I sign a Ohio power of attorney with an online notary?
Our New Jersey notary can notarize it by video while you're in Ohio. Ohio gives notarial acts performed outside Ohio, for use in Ohio, the same effect (ORC §147.51).
Keep going
- Ohio power of attorney signing requirements
- Signing checklist
- Power of attorney rules in every state
- A car title in Ohio
- A will in Ohio
- A small estate affidavit in Ohio
A power of attorney in another state: North Dakota · Pennsylvania · every state