Short answer. A notary is required; 2 witnesses; the agent signs an acknowledgment before acting.
At a glance
- Notary
- The principal's signature is acknowledged the way a deed's is, before a notary.
- Witnesses
- Two witnesses who aren't agents or permitted gift recipients; the person taking the acknowledgment may be one of them.
- Agent's acknowledgment
- Each agent signs and dates it, with an acknowledged signature; the agent can act only from that date.
- Official form
- Power of Attorney New York Statutory Short Form. GOL 5-1513 sets the form, with the caution to the principal and the agent's signature and acknowledgment section. Open it
- Durable
- The statutory short form isn't affected by later incapacity unless the principal changes that under Modifications.
- Healthcare document
- A health care proxy is signed and dated before two adult witnesses who also sign; the agent can't witness. No notary is required by the section.
In the official wording
Notary
"duly acknowledged in the manner prescribed for the acknowledgment of a conveyance of real property"
Durability
"This POWER OF ATTORNEY shall not be affected by my subsequent incapacity"
Healthcare
"signed and dated by the adult in the presence of two adult witnesses who shall also sign the proxy."
Signing-day steps
- Statutory form: recommended or optional
- Notary: required
- Witnesses: required
- Agent's acknowledgment: required
- Recording for real estate: not confirmed
Full checklist with the reasons: financial · healthcare.
Worth knowing
The document must be typed or printed in clear type of at least 12 point. Someone may sign for the principal at the principal's direction, but not an agent or successor agent.
Not stated on the pages we read: uniform act status, recording for real estate.
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
- General Obligations Law 5-1501B, Creation of a valid power of attorney (NY Senate) (checked November 2026)
- General Obligations Law 5-1513, Statutory short form power of attorney (NY Senate) (checked November 2026)
- Public Health Law 2981, Appointment of health care agent; health care proxy (NY Senate) (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 New York?
Yes. The principal's signature is acknowledged the way a deed's is, before a notary.
How many witnesses does a New York power of attorney need?
Two witnesses who aren't agents or permitted gift recipients; the person taking the acknowledgment may be one of them.
Does the agent have to sign anything in New York?
Yes. Each agent signs and dates it, with an acknowledged signature; the agent can act only from that date.
Is a New York power of attorney durable?
Yes, by default. The statutory short form isn't affected by later incapacity unless the principal changes that under Modifications.
How is a healthcare power of attorney signed in New York?
A health care proxy is signed and dated before two adult witnesses who also sign; the agent can't witness. No notary is required by the section.
Is there an official power of attorney form in New York?
Yes. Power of Attorney New York Statutory Short Form. GOL 5-1513 sets the form, with the caution to the principal and the agent's signature and acknowledgment section.
All states: power of attorney requirements by state · New Jersey · North Carolina · Signing a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney