Short answer. A notary or witnesses; the agent signs an acknowledgment before acting.
At a glance
- Uniform act
- MCL 556.201: the uniform power of attorney act, Act 187 of 2023, in effect July 1, 2024.
- Notary
- To be durable: acknowledged before a notary, or signed before two witnesses who also sign.
- Witnesses
- Two witnesses as the alternative to a notary. A witness can't be an agent named in it; a witness may also be the notary.
- Agent's acknowledgment
- Before acting under a durable power of attorney, the agent signs an acknowledgment of duties, substantially in the statute's form (MCL 556.402).
- Official form
- Statutory form power of attorney (MCL 556.401). Section 301 of the act sets out a statutory form. Open it
- Recording for real estate
- The act has no recording requirement; a power to convey real property doesn't need the legal description.
- Durable
- Durable if executed with a notary or two witnesses, unless it says incapacity ends it.
- Healthcare document
- A patient advocate designation is signed, dated and witnessed by two people; close relatives, heirs and the physician can't witness.
In the official wording
Notary
"Be acknowledged by the principal before a notary public or other individual authorized to take acknowledgments."
Witnesses
"A witness may not be an agent nominated in the power."
Agent
"Before exercising authority under a durable power of attorney, an agent shall execute an acknowledgment"
Recording
"does not need to contain the real property's legal description."
Durability
"is durable unless it expressly provides that it is terminated by the incapacity of the principal."
Healthcare
"in writing, signed, dated, witnessed by two people, and executed voluntarily."
Signing-day steps
- Statutory form: recommended or optional
- Notary or witnesses: your choice of two
- Witnesses: your choice of two
- Agent's acknowledgment: required
- Recording for real estate: not required
Full checklist with the reasons: financial · healthcare.
Signing in New Jersey? MCC Solutions provides mobile notarization, hospital notarization and remote online notarization for New Jersey signers. Elsewhere, a local notary can help.
Official sources
- Uniform Power of Attorney Act, Act 187 of 2023 (Michigan Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- Planning for Your Peace of Mind (Michigan Legislature, revised 12/2025) (checked November 2026)
General information, not legal advice; we are not lawyers. Have a lawyer prepare or review the power of attorney itself.
Common questions
Does a power of attorney have to be notarized in Michigan?
A notary or witnesses. To be durable: acknowledged before a notary, or signed before two witnesses who also sign.
How many witnesses does a Michigan power of attorney need?
Two witnesses as the alternative to a notary. A witness can't be an agent named in it; a witness may also be the notary.
Does the agent have to sign anything in Michigan?
Yes. Before acting under a durable power of attorney, the agent signs an acknowledgment of duties, substantially in the statute's form (MCL 556.402).
Must a Michigan power of attorney be recorded to sell or mortgage real estate?
The act has no recording requirement; a power to convey real property doesn't need the legal description.
Is a Michigan power of attorney durable?
Yes, by default. Durable if executed with a notary or two witnesses, unless it says incapacity ends it.
How is a healthcare power of attorney signed in Michigan?
A patient advocate designation is signed, dated and witnessed by two people; close relatives, heirs and the physician can't witness.
All states: power of attorney requirements by state · Florida · Minnesota · Signing a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney