A notary or witnesses.
Signed and dated by the principal, then notarized or attested by two witnesses.
What else the signing needs
- Witnesses
- Instead of a notary: Two witnesses as the alternative to a notary. They can't be the principal's home care or facility care providers, or related to the principal or agent.
"unrelated to the principal or agent by blood, marriage, or state registered domestic partnership."
- Agent's acknowledgment
- An agent accepts by acting or other conduct showing acceptance.
"by exercising authority or performing duties as an agent."
- Recording for real estate
- The chapter doesn't require recording a power of attorney to convey real property.
"filing notice with the county recorder's office in the county where the principal resides."
- Official form
- The chapter has no statutory power of attorney form, only an optional agent's certification (RCW 11.125.430).
- Durable after incapacity
- Not durable unless the writing says it survives incapacity.
"This power of attorney shall not be affected by disability of the principal."
Next step
Sign by video with our New Jersey notary while you're in Washington, 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 Washington treats it: Washington gives a notarial act performed in another state the same effect as if a Washington notarial officer performed it, and the out-of-state officer's signature and title conclusively establish their authority (2017). More on Washington signers.
If the agent will use it for real estate, ask the title company or the county auditor before you sign.
The notary route means no witnesses are needed for that part; the witness route needs no notary.
Book an online notarization Request a mobile notary in Washington
In person, we look for a notary commissioned in Washington near you; you approve the price first.
If a local notary in Washington does it: Up to $15 for most notarial acts, under the state's fee rules (Washington notary fees).
And a health care power of attorney?
A notary or witnesses. The same chapter covers health care decisions, so a health care power of attorney under it is signed the same way: notary or two qualified witnesses.
"authorized to provide informed consent for health care decisions on the principal's behalf."
Two adult witnesses if you don't use a notary.
From Chapter 11.125 RCW, Uniform Power of Attorney Act (Washington State Legislature). A health care document follows its own signing rule, separate from the financial one.
Official sources
- Chapter 11.125 RCW, Uniform Power of Attorney Act (Washington State Legislature) (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 Washington?
A notary or witnesses. Signed and dated by the principal, then notarized or attested by two witnesses.
Are witnesses needed for a Washington power of attorney?
Instead of a notary: Two witnesses as the alternative to a notary. They can't be the principal's home care or facility care providers, or related to the principal or agent.
Does the agent sign anything in Washington?
An agent accepts by acting or other conduct showing acceptance.
Does a Washington power of attorney have to be recorded for a house sale?
The chapter doesn't require recording a power of attorney to convey real property.
Does a medical power of attorney need a notary in Washington?
A notary or witnesses. The same chapter covers health care decisions, so a health care power of attorney under it is signed the same way: notary or two qualified witnesses.
Can I sign a Washington power of attorney with an online notary?
Our New Jersey notary can notarize it by video while you're in Washington. Washington gives a notarial act performed in another state the same effect as if a Washington notarial officer performed it, and the out-of-state officer's signature and title conclusively establish their authority (2017).
Keep going
- Washington power of attorney signing requirements
- Signing checklist
- Power of attorney rules in every state
- A will in Washington
A power of attorney in another state: Virginia · West Virginia · every state