--- title: "What Is a Power of Attorney? Meaning & Example | MCC" description: "A document that lets one person (the agent) act for another (the principal) on stated matters. A worked example and how it differs from a healthcare proxy." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/glossary/power-of-attorney" --- Notary glossary # What is a power of attorney? A document that lets one person (the agent) act for another (the principal) on stated matters. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## In plain English It can be limited to one task or broad and durable. The principal must be willing and understand what they sign. Many states require notarization. Need this notarized? [Get it notarized online by a New Jersey notary over video](/notary/remote-online-notarization), or [book a notary visit in New Jersey](/notary/#order). Notaries cannot advise which form to use. ## Why it matters Banks, hospitals and title companies often reject a power of attorney that is improperly signed or notarized, or that uses wording they do not accept. Discovering that during an emergency can leave the agent unable to act when it counts. The principal must be willing and able to sign. If a notary has doubts about either, the signing may be stopped. ## Worked example A parent signs a limited power of attorney allowing an adult child to sell a car while the parent is abroad. ## What to do - Get the form from an attorney or from the institution that will rely on it. - Ask the institution whether it accepts the form and what notarization or witnesses it needs. - Have the principal bring valid ID and attend personally. - Let the principal speak for themselves at the signing. - Give copies to the agent and the institutions that need them. ## Common mistakes - Waiting until the principal is very ill can make the signing impossible if the notary has capacity concerns. - Asking the notary which type of power of attorney to use puts them in a position they cannot take, and delays the signing. - Having the agent book and speak for the principal can make the notary question willingness. ## Not the same as: Healthcare proxy A power of attorney usually covers financial or legal matters, while a healthcare proxy names someone for medical decisions; which documents someone needs is a question for an attorney. [See Healthcare proxy](/notary/glossary/healthcare-proxy). ## Go deeper - [Signing a Durable Power of Attorney: Notary Steps](/notary/guides/durable-power-of-attorney-signing-steps): A durable the area stays in force if the signer loses capacity. See the signing steps, ID checks, and witness questions for this document. - [Limited Power of Attorney for One Task or Sale](/notary/guides/limited-power-of-attorney-for-one-task): A limited the area grants authority for a single purpose. See how it differs from a general one and what the notary verifies at signing. ## Try it [Use the related free tool](/notary/notary-journal-template). ## Related terms - [Process server](/notary/glossary/process-server): A person who delivers legal papers to the other party in a case and records how and when. - [Quitclaim deed](/notary/glossary/quitclaim-deed): A deed that transfers whatever interest the grantor has, without promises about the title. - [Oath and affirmation](/notary/glossary/oath-and-affirmation): A spoken promise to tell the truth. An oath calls on a higher power; an affirmation does not. ## Common questions **What is a power of attorney?** A document that lets one person (the agent) act for another (the principal) on stated matters. **Can you give an example of power of attorney?** A parent signs a limited the area allowing an adult child to sell a car while the parent is abroad. **Can the agent be present during the signing?** Often yes, but the notary may ask to speak with the principal alone to confirm willingness. **Does a power of attorney have to be notarized?** Many states and institutions require it. Check with the institution or attorney involved. General information, not legal advice. Rules vary by state and change; check with your state's commissioning office. Need help? [### Mobile notary Mobile signings in New Jersey, remote online notarization and apostille help. Notary services →](/notary/) [Full glossary](/notary/glossary) Do it yourself ### Notary Launch Bundle You have the commission. These three get you to paid work: loan signings, local marketing and remote notarization. [See what's inside ($49)](/toolkits/notary-launch-bundle)14-day full refund [![Cover of Caring for an Aging Parent in New Jersey (ebook) by Matthew Colt](/img/toolkits/nj-aging-parent-care-ebook/cover.webp)](/toolkits/nj-aging-parent-care-ebook) From the bookshelf ### Caring for an Aging Parent in New Jersey The paperwork of a parent getting older, in the right order. By Matthew Colt, $9.99 as an ebook (EPUB and PDF). [See the book](/toolkits/nj-aging-parent-care-ebook) [Read the first pages free](/toolkits/nj-aging-parent-care-ebook#free-starter) ## Need a document notarized? Book a notary. [Book a notary](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)