25 Power of Attorney Tips for Notary Services (2026)

Thoroughly check the principal's government-issued ID. Ensure it's current, matches the signer, and meets all state requirements for identity verification. This is the first line of defense against fraud.

Observe the principal for alertness, coherence, and understanding. They must appear competent and willing to sign, understanding the nature and effect of the POA. If in doubt, politely decline.

Ensure the principal is signing the POA freely and without coercion. Watch for any signs of undue influence from accompanying family members or agents. The decision must be theirs alone.

As a notary, your role is ministerial, not advisory. Never explain the legal implications or suggest changes to the POA document. Refer clients to an attorney for any legal questions.

Attach or complete the appropriate notary certificate (acknowledgment or jurat) as required by your state and the document type. Ensure all blanks are filled accurately.

Record every POA notarization with meticulous detail, including the principal's name, ID information, date, time, type of document, fee charged, and any unusual circumstances.

POA requirements can vary significantly by state. Be aware of your state's specific rules regarding witnesses, principal capacity, and notary certificates for POAs.

Scan the POA document to ensure there are no blank spaces that should have been filled in before notarization. You are checking for physical completeness, not legal content.

If performing mobile notary services for a POA, confirm the location, accessibility, and ensure a suitable, private space for the signing is available to protect privacy.

Ensure the principal signs and initials in all designated places. Guide them clearly but do not physically assist them unless they explicitly request and you can do so without touching the pen.

If any red flags arise—doubt about identity, capacity, willingness, or legality—you have the right and duty to refuse notarization. Protect yourself and the public.

Clearly explain your role as an impartial witness to the signature, not a legal advisor. This manages expectations and prevents misunderstandings.

Conduct the notarization in a private setting, away from eavesdroppers, to ensure the principal feels comfortable and secure discussing their document.

Watch for signs that someone else is pressuring the principal, such as the principal looking to another person for approval before answering or signing.

If performing RON, be intimately familiar with your chosen platform's identity verification processes, credential analysis, and audio-visual recording features.

Beyond the principal, check if the POA requires signatures from agents, witnesses, or co-principals. Ensure all necessary parties are present and identified.

Ensure your notary stamp is legible and properly applied, not overlapping text or obscuring signatures. A clear, crisp impression is vital for document acceptance.

If anything unusual occurs during the notarization (e.g., ID challenges, principal hesitation, specific questions asked), make a note in your journal.

Regularly review notary laws, best practices, and any updates related to POA notarizations, especially concerning elder abuse or capacity issues.

Confirm the document is indeed titled 'Power of Attorney' or a similar variant. This helps you apply the correct notarization procedures and certificates.

Charge only the legal maximum fee allowed by your state for each notarized signature on the POA. Clearly communicate your fees upfront.

Agents may have questions about their authority. Remind them you are a notary and cannot provide legal advice, directing them back to the principal or legal counsel.

Some states allow or require thumbprints in the notary journal for certain high-risk documents like POAs. Consider offering this as an added layer of security if permissible.

Ensure that only the necessary parties are present during the notarization of a POA, as it often contains highly personal and sensitive information.

Compare the signature on the POA with the signature on the principal's identification to ensure consistency, adding another layer of identity verification.