Power of Attorney · Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Power of Attorney Forms (2026)
In Pennsylvania, a financial power of attorney is signed this way: Notary AND two witnesses age 18 or older; the agent and the notary cannot be witnesses (§5601(b)(3)). Durable by default? Yes, unless the document says otherwise (20 Pa.C.S. §5601.1).
Choose the type of power of attorney
- General POABroad financial authority that ends if you become incapacitated.
- Durable POAFinancial authority that continues if you become incapacitated.
- Medical POANames someone to make health care decisions for you.
- Limited POAAuthority for one specific matter, with an end date.
- Vehicle POALets someone handle a vehicle title or registration for you.
Pennsylvania financial power of attorney: key facts
- Official form
- No statutory form (20 Pa.C.S. ch. 56), but a signed NOTICE in capital letters must open the document (§5601(c)).
- Durable by default?
- Yes, unless the document says otherwise (20 Pa.C.S. §5601.1).
- Notary and witnesses
- Notary AND two witnesses age 18 or older; the agent and the notary cannot be witnesses (§5601(b)(3)).
- Good to know
- Your agent has no authority until signing the Agent's Acknowledgment (§5601(d)).
Official sources: 20 Pa.C.S. Chapter 56 · Last reviewed: October 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Does a power of attorney need to be notarized in Pennsylvania?
- Notary AND two witnesses age 18 or older; the agent and the notary cannot be witnesses (§5601(b)(3)).
- Is a power of attorney durable in Pennsylvania?
- Yes, unless the document says otherwise (20 Pa.C.S. §5601.1).
- Does Pennsylvania have an official power of attorney form?
- No statutory form (20 Pa.C.S. ch. 56), but a signed NOTICE in capital letters must open the document (§5601(c)).
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