Short answer. A notary is required; no witnesses under the execution rule.
At a glance
- Uniform act
- Public Law ch. 292 of the 124th Legislature enacted the Maine Uniform Power of Attorney Act, in effect July 1, 2010.
- Notary
- Not valid unless acknowledged before a notary or other official authorized to take acknowledgments.
- Witnesses
- The execution section doesn't mention witnesses.
- Agent's acknowledgment
- An agent accepts by acting or other conduct showing acceptance.
- Durable
- Durable unless it says incapacity ends it.
- Healthcare document
- A power of attorney for health care is in writing and signed by the principal and two witnesses, in person and not by electronic means. The section doesn't call for a notary.
In the official wording
Notary
Need this notarized? Online notarization for signers in Maine.
"is not valid unless it is acknowledged before a notary public"
Witnesses
"must be signed by the principal or in the principal's conscious presence by another individual"
Agent
"a person accepts appointment as an agent under a power of attorney by exercising authority or performing duties as an agent"
Durability
"is durable unless it expressly provides that it is terminated by the incapacity of the principal."
Healthcare
"The power must be in writing and signed by the principal and 2 witnesses."
Get it notarized online today
Online notary: open now until 9 PM ET · sessions by appointment · times confirmed by email
A New Jersey notary can notarize this with you on a video call, wherever you are in the U.S. $50 for the session, $10 for each extra signer. Any other fee shows in the booking form before you confirm. Open 7 am to 9 pm ET, every day, by appointment.
What you need
- A valid government photo ID
- A computer or phone with a camera
- The unsigned document
Our certificate states the act was performed using communication technology, as New Jersey law requires. What it must say
Most U.S. recipients accept a remotely notarized document; check with whoever will receive it. What to ask them · Several signers
Signing-day steps
- Statutory form: not confirmed
- Notary: required
- Witnesses: not required
- Agent's acknowledgment: not required
- Recording for real estate: not confirmed
Full checklist with the reasons: financial · healthcare.
Worth knowing
A durable power of attorney must include the statutory notices to the principal and the agent, in substantially the statute's form, or it is invalid.
Not stated on the pages we read: an official form, 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
- 18-C M.R.S. 5-905, Execution of power of attorney; notices (Maine Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- Public Law ch. 292 (124th Legislature), An Act To Enact the Maine Uniform Power of Attorney Act (Maine Legislature) (checked November 2026)
- Maine Revised Statutes Title 18-C, 5-803, Advance health care directives (Maine Legislature) (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 Maine?
Yes. Not valid unless acknowledged before a notary or other official authorized to take acknowledgments.
How many witnesses does a Maine 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 Maine?
Not before acting. An agent accepts by acting or other conduct showing acceptance.
Is a Maine power of attorney durable?
Yes, by default. Durable unless it says incapacity ends it.
How is a healthcare power of attorney signed in Maine?
A power of attorney for health care is in writing and signed by the principal and two witnesses, in person and not by electronic means. The section doesn't call for a notary.
All states: power of attorney requirements by state · Illinois · Maryland · Signing a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney