Power of Attorney Requirements Checker

Power of attorney rules depend on the state, the document’s purpose, and the powers granted. Use this checklist to identify what to verify; it does not certify a document’s validity or replace a required state form.

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State whose law applies

What kind of authority is needed?

What should the agent be allowed to do?

The document may be signed or used outside the state, or in another country.

The POA concerns an urgent, high-value, medical, property, or financial matter.

Official verification

Use your state’s official legislature website to locate the current power-of-attorney statute and any state-published form. The USA.gov legal aid directory can help you locate legal assistance if you need help choosing or preparing a document.

For example, Texas publishes a statutory durable power-of-attorney form in its Estates Code; that form is not automatically appropriate for other states or for health-care decisions. See the Texas Estates Code, Chapter 752.

Disclaimer: General legal information only, not legal advice. POA documents can transfer significant authority. Verify current requirements with official sources and consider legal review before signing.