Yes, a notary is required.
The signature is acknowledged before a notary or other official, who can't be the agent.
In the official wording
"shall not be the agent designated in the power of attorney"
From the official pages listed below, checked November 2026.
What else the signing needs
- Witnesses
- Two witnesses. Two adult witnesses, who can't be the agent, the notary or anyone signing for the principal.
"A witness shall not be the individual who signed the power of attorney on behalf of and at the direction of the principal."
- Agent's acknowledgment
- The agent has no authority until the agent signs and attaches the statutory acknowledgment of duties.
"has first executed and affixed to the power of attorney an acknowledgment"
- Recording for real estate
- An acknowledged power of attorney may be recorded in the recorder of deeds office; chapter 56 doesn't require it.
"it may be recorded in the office for the recording of deeds."
- Durable after incapacity
- All powers of attorney are durable unless they say otherwise.
"all powers of attorney shall be durable"
Not confirmed on the pages we read: an official form. Check with 20 Pa.C.S. Chapter 56, Powers of Attorney (Pennsylvania General Assembly).
Next step
Sign by video with our New Jersey notary while you're in Pennsylvania, 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 Pennsylvania treats it: Pennsylvania gives a notarial act performed in another state the same effect as one performed in Pennsylvania (57 Pa.C.S. §311). More on Pennsylvania signers.
If the agent will use it for real estate, ask the title company or the county recorder of deeds before you sign.
Witnesses are required too. Talk to us before booking so we can plan the session, or sign in person with a notary and witnesses.
Book an online notarization Request a mobile notary in Pennsylvania
In person, we look for a notary commissioned in Pennsylvania near you; you approve the price first.
If a local notary in Pennsylvania does it: Acknowledgment, first signer named in the certificate, $5; Acknowledgment, each additional name in the same certificate, $2, under the state's fee rules (Pennsylvania notary fees).
And a health care power of attorney?
Witnesses; the rule we read doesn't mention a notary. Dated and signed, and witnessed by two people 18 or older; someone who signs for the principal can't also witness. The section doesn't mention a notary.
"witnessed by two individuals, each of whom is 18 years of age or older"
Two adult witnesses.
From 20 Pa.C.S. 5452, Execution of health care power of attorney (Pennsylvania General Assembly). A health care document follows its own signing rule, separate from the financial one.
Official sources
- 20 Pa.C.S. Chapter 56, Powers of Attorney (Pennsylvania General Assembly) (checked November 2026)
- 20 Pa.C.S. 5452, Execution of health care power of attorney (Pennsylvania General Assembly) (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 Pennsylvania?
Yes, a notary is required. The signature is acknowledged before a notary or other official, who can't be the agent.
Are witnesses needed for a Pennsylvania power of attorney?
Two witnesses. Two adult witnesses, who can't be the agent, the notary or anyone signing for the principal.
Does the agent sign anything in Pennsylvania?
The agent has no authority until the agent signs and attaches the statutory acknowledgment of duties.
Does a Pennsylvania power of attorney have to be recorded for a house sale?
An acknowledged power of attorney may be recorded in the recorder of deeds office; chapter 56 doesn't require it.
Does a medical power of attorney need a notary in Pennsylvania?
Witnesses; the rule we read doesn't mention a notary. Dated and signed, and witnessed by two people 18 or older; someone who signs for the principal can't also witness. The section doesn't mention a notary.
Can I sign a Pennsylvania power of attorney with an online notary?
Our New Jersey notary can notarize it by video while you're in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gives a notarial act performed in another state the same effect as one performed in Pennsylvania (57 Pa.C.S. §311). Witnesses are required too, so talk to us before booking, or sign in person.
Keep going
- Pennsylvania power of attorney signing requirements
- Signing checklist
- Power of attorney rules in every state
- A car title in Pennsylvania
A power of attorney in another state: Ohio · South Carolina · every state