Short answer. A notary is required; 2 witnesses; the agent signs an acknowledgment before acting.
At a glance
- Notary
- The signature is acknowledged before a notary or other official, who can't be the agent.
- Witnesses
- Two adult witnesses, who can't be the agent, the notary or anyone signing for the principal.
- Agent's acknowledgment
- The agent has no authority until the agent signs and attaches the statutory acknowledgment of duties.
- Recording for real estate
- An acknowledged power of attorney may be recorded in the recorder of deeds office; chapter 56 doesn't require it.
- Durable
- All powers of attorney are durable unless they say otherwise.
- Healthcare document
- Dated and signed, and witnessed by two people 18 or older; someone who signs for the principal can't also witness. The section doesn't mention a notary.
In the official wording
Notary
"shall not be the agent designated in the power of attorney"
Witnesses
"A witness shall not be the individual who signed the power of attorney on behalf of and at the direction of the principal."
Agent
"has first executed and affixed to the power of attorney an acknowledgment"
Recording
"it may be recorded in the office for the recording of deeds."
Durability
"all powers of attorney shall be durable"
Healthcare
"witnessed by two individuals, each of whom is 18 years of age or older"
Signing-day steps
- Statutory form: not confirmed
- Notary: required
- Witnesses: required
- Agent's acknowledgment: required
- Recording for real estate: recommended or optional
Full checklist with the reasons: financial · healthcare.
Worth knowing
A notice in capital letters must be at the beginning, signed by the principal; without it the agent carries the burden of showing an action was proper.
Not stated on the pages we read: uniform act status, 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
- 20 Pa.C.S. Chapter 56, Powers of Attorney (Pennsylvania General Assembly) (checked November 2026)
- 20 Pa.C.S. 5452, Execution of health care power of attorney (Pennsylvania General Assembly) (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 Pennsylvania?
Yes. The signature is acknowledged before a notary or other official, who can't be the agent.
How many witnesses does a Pennsylvania power of attorney need?
Two adult witnesses, who can't be the agent, the notary or anyone signing for the principal.
Does the agent have to sign anything in Pennsylvania?
Yes. The agent has no authority until the agent signs and attaches the statutory acknowledgment of duties.
Must a Pennsylvania power of attorney be recorded to sell or mortgage real estate?
An acknowledged power of attorney may be recorded in the recorder of deeds office; chapter 56 doesn't require it.
Is a Pennsylvania power of attorney durable?
Yes, by default. All powers of attorney are durable unless they say otherwise.
How is a healthcare power of attorney signed in Pennsylvania?
Dated and signed, and witnessed by two people 18 or older; someone who signs for the principal can't also witness. The section doesn't mention a notary.
All states: power of attorney requirements by state · Ohio · South Carolina · Signing a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney