When you act as someone’s agent under a power of attorney, how you sign matters as much as the authority itself. Sign the wrong way and a bank or agency may reject the document; sign correctly and your authority is clear. This article explains how to sign as power of attorney, the accepted signature format, the mistakes that cause rejection, and how the underlying POA gets notarized.
The core principle
When you sign as an agent, your signature must make clear that you are signing on behalf of the principal, not as yourself and not as the principal alone. You are exercising delegated authority, and the signature should show that representative capacity. Institutions look for this clarity because it confirms you are acting within the power granted to you, not impersonating the principal or binding yourself personally. Guidance from bodies like the National Notary Association reinforces that the document granting your authority — the power of attorney itself — must be properly executed before any of this signing takes place.
The accepted signature format
A widely accepted way to sign is to show both names and your role. For example:
- “[Principal’s name] by [Your name], as attorney-in-fact,” or
- “[Your name], as agent for [Principal’s name] under power of attorney.”
Both formats identify the principal, identify you as the agent, and state that you are acting under the power of attorney. Some institutions have a preferred format, so when in doubt, ask how they want the signature to appear. The wording can vary slightly, but as long as those three elements are present, the signature should be clear enough for the institution to accept and for the record to reflect that you signed in a representative capacity.
Why the format matters
The signature format protects everyone. It protects the principal by showing the action was taken under their authority, it protects you by making clear you are not personally liable for the obligation, and it protects the institution by documenting that the agent acted in a representative capacity. A signature that omits any of these elements invites questions and rejection, which defeats the purpose of having a power of attorney in the first place.
Common signing mistakes
- Signing only your own name, which does not show you are acting for the principal.
- Signing only the principal’s name, which can look like forgery.
- Omitting the words that indicate your role, such as “as attorney-in-fact.”
- Using a POA the institution has not accepted or that is older than they allow.
Bring the power of attorney with you
When you act as an agent, expect to provide the power of attorney document itself, not just your signature. Institutions usually want to see the POA to confirm the scope of your authority before they let you act. Keep a notarized copy accessible, and be ready to present identification as well. Having the document on hand makes the difference between completing the task and being turned away to come back later.
Signatures in practice: a few examples
It helps to see the format applied. If Maria Lopez is acting for her father, Robert Lopez, she might sign a bank form as “Robert Lopez by Maria Lopez, as attorney-in-fact.” On a real estate document, she might sign “Maria Lopez, as agent for Robert Lopez under power of attorney.” In both cases the principal is named, the agent is named, and the representative role is stated. The exact wording can flex to the institution’s preference, but those three elements should always be present so the signature is unambiguous.
When the principal can still sign for themselves
A power of attorney gives the agent authority to act, but it does not usually strip the principal of their own ability to act while they remain capable. For documents where the principal is available and competent, they can simply sign themselves, and no representative signature is needed. The agent’s representative signature comes into play when the principal cannot or prefers not to sign personally. Knowing which situation you are in avoids unnecessary complications at the counter.
How the underlying POA is notarized
Before any of this, the power of attorney itself must be properly executed — usually notarized, and sometimes witnessed. In states that permit remote online notarization, the POA can be notarized over a secure video session, often with a witness in the same session. Our notarize a power of attorney online page explains how. A correctly notarized POA is what gives your representative signature its force.
What to bring when you act as an agent
- The original or a certified copy of the notarized power of attorney.
- Your own valid government-issued photo ID.
- Any institution-specific form the recipient requires.
- Knowledge of the exact scope of authority the document grants you.
Arriving prepared signals that you are acting properly and makes it far more likely the institution will honor your signature on the first try.
Acting within your authority
Signing correctly is only part of acting as an agent. You must also stay within the powers the document grants and act in the principal’s best interest. A power of attorney is a position of trust, and an agent who exceeds their authority or acts for personal benefit can face legal consequences. Read the document carefully so you know exactly what you are authorized to do before you sign anything on the principal’s behalf.
Keeping records as an agent
Acting as an agent comes with a duty to keep good records. When you sign on the principal’s behalf, note what you signed, when, and why, and keep copies of the documents. If your authority is ever questioned — by the principal, a family member, or a court — clear records show you acted properly and within your authority. This is more than good housekeeping; for an agent managing someone else’s finances, it is part of the fiduciary responsibility the role carries.
Financial vs. property signings
The representative signature works the same way across contexts, but expectations can differ slightly. Banks and brokerages often have their own internal forms and may want to see the POA on file before honoring your signature. Real estate and recordable documents may have additional formality, since the signature becomes part of the public record. In both cases the principle is identical — name the principal, name yourself, and state your role — but confirming each institution’s preferred format up front keeps things smooth.
What to do if a signature is rejected
If an institution rejects your representative signature, ask specifically what format they require and whether they need to see the POA document or their own form. Often the fix is simply re-signing in their preferred format or providing the notarized POA for their records. Knowing the accepted format in advance — and carrying the document — prevents most rejections before they happen.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I sign as power of attorney for someone?
Sign in a way that shows your representative capacity, such as “[Principal’s name] by [Your name], as attorney-in-fact,” or “[Your name], as agent for [Principal’s name] under power of attorney.” This identifies the principal, identifies you as the agent, and shows you are acting under the POA.
What happens if I sign a power of attorney incorrectly?
An incorrect signature can cause the institution to reject the document. Signing only your own name does not show you are acting for the principal, and signing only the principal’s name can look like forgery. The fix is usually to re-sign in the institution’s preferred representative format.
Do I need to show the power of attorney when I sign?
Usually, yes. Institutions typically want to see the power of attorney document to confirm the scope of your authority before letting you act. Keep a notarized copy accessible and be ready to present identification as well.
How is the power of attorney itself notarized?
The POA generally must be notarized, and sometimes witnessed, to be effective. In states that permit remote online notarization, it can be notarized over a secure video session, often with a witness in the same session. A properly notarized POA is what gives your representative signature its force.
Get the POA notarized first Make sure the power of attorney is properly notarized. Start your online notarization.
About This Page
Written by the remoteonlinenotary.com/ team. Reviewed by a commissioned online notary public. Last updated: June 15, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Notarization and document requirements vary by state and document type. For guidance on a specific matter, consult a qualified attorney or title professional.
Sources (linked inline above): Uniform Power of Attorney Act (ULC) · National Notary Association