Short answer. Notarizing is recommended, not required; no witnesses under the execution rule; recording before real estate use.
At a glance
- Uniform act
- R.C. 1337.21: sections 1337.21 to 1337.64 may be cited as the uniform power of attorney act.
- Notary
- A signature is presumed genuine if acknowledged before a notary; the section doesn't make notarization a condition of validity. For real property it must be recorded, which needs an acknowledgment.
- Witnesses
- The execution section doesn't mention witnesses.
- Agent's acknowledgment
- An agent accepts by acting or other conduct showing acceptance (R.C. 1337.33).
- Recording for real estate
- A power of attorney for real property is recorded with the county recorder where the property is, before the deed or other instrument is recorded (R.C. 1337.04).
- Durable
- Durable unless it says incapacity ends it.
- Healthcare document
- A health care power of attorney is signed and dated, then witnessed by two adults or acknowledged before a notary. Relatives, the agent, the attending physician and the nursing home administrator can't witness.
In the official wording
Notary
"A signature on a power of attorney is presumed to be genuine if the principal acknowledges the signature before a notary public."
Agent
"a person accepts appointment as an agent under a power of attorney by exercising authority or performing duties as an agent"
Recording
"shall be recorded in the office of the county recorder of the county in which such property is situated"
Durability
"is durable unless it expressly provides that it is terminated by the incapacity of the principal."
Healthcare
"shall be witnessed by at least two individuals who are adults."
Signing-day steps
- Statutory form: not confirmed
- Notary: recommended or optional
- Witnesses: not required
- Agent's acknowledgment: not required
- Recording for real estate: required
Full checklist with the reasons: financial · healthcare.
Not stated on the pages we read: an official form.
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
- Ohio Revised Code chapter 1337, Power of Attorney (Ohio Laws) (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 Ohio?
It isn't a condition of validity. A signature is presumed genuine if acknowledged before a notary; the section doesn't make notarization a condition of validity. For real property it must be recorded, which needs an acknowledgment.
How many witnesses does a Ohio power of attorney need?
None under the execution rule we read. The execution section doesn't mention witnesses.
Does the agent have to sign anything in Ohio?
Not before acting. An agent accepts by acting or other conduct showing acceptance (R.C. 1337.33).
Must a Ohio power of attorney be recorded to sell or mortgage real estate?
A power of attorney for real property is recorded with the county recorder where the property is, before the deed or other instrument is recorded (R.C. 1337.04).
Is a Ohio power of attorney durable?
Yes, by default. Durable unless it says incapacity ends it.
How is a healthcare power of attorney signed in Ohio?
A health care power of attorney is signed and dated, then witnessed by two adults or acknowledged before a notary. Relatives, the agent, the attending physician and the nursing home administrator can't witness.
All states: power of attorney requirements by state · North Carolina · Pennsylvania · Signing a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney