Short answer. A notary is required; 2 witnesses; the agent signs an acknowledgment before acting.
At a glance
- Uniform act
- New York's General Obligations Law article 5, title 15 is its own power of attorney statute, with its own statutory short form (5-1513); it isn't the Uniform Power of Attorney Act.
- Notary
- The principal's signature is acknowledged the way a deed's is, before a notary.
- Witnesses
- Two witnesses who aren't agents or permitted gift recipients; the person taking the acknowledgment may be one of them.
- Agent's acknowledgment
- Each agent signs and dates it, with an acknowledged signature; the agent can act only from that date.
- Official form
- Power of Attorney New York Statutory Short Form. GOL 5-1513 sets the form, with the caution to the principal and the agent's signature and acknowledgment section. Open it
- Recording for real estate
- Real Property Law 294(1) lets an instrument giving an agent power to convey the owner's real property be recorded in the county where the property is; the General Obligations Law doesn't make recording a condition of the agent acting.
- Durable
- The statutory short form isn't affected by later incapacity unless the principal changes that under Modifications.
- Healthcare document
- A health care proxy is signed and dated before two adult witnesses who also sign; the agent can't witness. No notary is required by the section.
In the official wording
Notary
Need this notarized? Online notarization for signers in New York.
"duly acknowledged in the manner prescribed for the acknowledgment of a conveyance of real property"
Recording
"an instrument containing a power to convey real property, as the agent or attorney for the owner of the property,"
Durability
"This POWER OF ATTORNEY shall not be affected by my subsequent incapacity"
Healthcare
"signed and dated by the adult in the presence of two adult witnesses who shall also sign the proxy."
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: recommended or optional
- Notary: required
- Witnesses: required
- Agent's acknowledgment: required
- Recording for real estate: recommended or optional
Full checklist with the reasons: financial · healthcare.
Worth knowing
The document must be typed or printed in clear type of at least 12 point. Someone may sign for the principal at the principal's direction, but not an agent or successor agent.
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
- General Obligations Law 5-1501B, Creation of a valid power of attorney (NY Senate) (checked November 2026)
- General Obligations Law 5-1513, Statutory short form power of attorney (NY Senate) (checked November 2026)
- Public Health Law 2981, Appointment of health care agent; health care proxy (NY Senate) (checked November 2026)
- Real Property Law 294, Recording executory contracts and powers of attorney (NY Senate) (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 New York?
Yes. The principal's signature is acknowledged the way a deed's is, before a notary.
How many witnesses does a New York power of attorney need?
Two witnesses who aren't agents or permitted gift recipients; the person taking the acknowledgment may be one of them.
Does the agent have to sign anything in New York?
Yes. Each agent signs and dates it, with an acknowledged signature; the agent can act only from that date.
Must a New York power of attorney be recorded to sell or mortgage real estate?
Real Property Law 294(1) lets an instrument giving an agent power to convey the owner's real property be recorded in the county where the property is; the General Obligations Law doesn't make recording a condition of the agent acting.
Is a New York power of attorney durable?
Yes, by default. The statutory short form isn't affected by later incapacity unless the principal changes that under Modifications.
How is a healthcare power of attorney signed in New York?
A health care proxy is signed and dated before two adult witnesses who also sign; the agent can't witness. No notary is required by the section.
All states: power of attorney requirements by state · New Jersey · North Carolina · Signing a healthcare proxy or medical power of attorney