# Mandatory Requirements > Essential Requirements of a Power of Attorney Source: https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements · Updated 14 February 2024 ### Mandatory Requirements **Page overview** - **This page examines the mandatory requirements for a *Power of Attorney*.** Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN7M-xwrwuA **Page index** - [Mandatory requirements demand the inclusion of **specific warning notices, specific words, use of specific font sizes & other requirements**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1) - [**Specific notices** must be included in a *Power of Attorney* **in California, New York and Pennsylvania**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#required-notices) - [**Durable** *Powers of Attorney* must include **specific words in California, Texas and Florida**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#required-words-for-durable-powers-of-attorney) - [**Witnessing & acknowledgement requirements** vary between the Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#witnessing-acknowledgement-requirements) - [**Font size** requirements apply in **California**, **New York** and **Illinois**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#font-size-requirements) - [**Special requirements** might need to be fulfilled to permit filing of a *Power of Attorney*](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#requirements-for-filing-purposes) - [*Powers of Attorney* for **commercial entities are not subject to the mandatory requirements** applicable to *Powers of Attorney* for persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#powers-of-attorney-for-commercial-entities) ## **Mandatory Requirements** [Mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1) operate in respect of the design and execution of many *Powers of Attorney* for [commercial](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial) purposes [created](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) by a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) in the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa).[^1] > **MANDATORY REQUIREMENT SUMMARIES** > > | [**Custom-Made *Powers of Attorney***](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/custommadepoamandreqts#custom-made) | | [**Government Form**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/govformmandreqts#government-form) | > > | [**Combined Summary**](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/fullmandatoryreqtstable#summary-table-execution-content-requirements-by-state) |* > > *Combined Summary includes the *Custom-Made* and *Government Form* requirements. In **Texas**, any [mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1) imposed in respect of *Powers of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^2] only apply in respect of [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney*.[^3] [Mandatory requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#mandatory-requirements-1) apply to:- - **design** (i.e. [particular content](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#required-words-for-durable-powers-of-attorney) including the inclusion of [specific notices](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#required-notices), [font size](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#font-size-requirements) etc.) - **proper execution** (i.e. [witnessing requirements](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#witnessing-acknowledgement-requirements)) ## **Required Notices** In some of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa), *Powers of Attorney* for [commercial](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial) purposes used by [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^4] must include certain [notices](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#required-notices): - in **California**, a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*[^5] cannot be sold or distributed without the advice of legal counsel unless it contains a mandatory [*Notice to Person Executing Durable Power of Attorney* and *Notice to Person Accepting The Appointment As Attorney-In-Fact*](https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vTpgiA-H3AhLVkVpZwo8xCmlrtk6s2UNo3vsZOssCwKDkhhYNZYlsZVINR-92JEYc2iv2ryL0l7c6f7/pub) found in [§4128](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4128.html) in 10 point font or a reasonable equivalent (see also [§4102](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4102.html)) - in **New York**, a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^6] must contain a [*Caution to the Principal* and *Important Information for the Agent*](https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSNzMpIgkI0Oobw0J-BvUp1grAYS1iZ4SPg7teIDKxwfFVrV4rAnsJHZa_ItiVYTz_7vC6LwMMZXY9C/pub) in order to be valid (see [§5-1501B](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1501B)) - in **Pennsylvania**, a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^7] must contain [*Important Information For The Agent*](https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vRO56wv_sY-07PEBQf2hZOVDdsiJ98oR3HqD8sL2RjCeBvRKkazR6IDMcgaD6P_KOQaOy4xbeDeswYp/pub) (see [§5601(c)](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5601.html)). In **Texas**, **Florida** and **Illinois** there are no [notices](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/requirements#required-notices) required for inclusion in a *Power of Attorney*.[^8] ## **Required Words For Durable** ***Powers of Attorney*** [Durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Powers of Attorney* for [commercial](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial) purposes used by [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^9] in **California**, **Texas** and **Florida** must include certain words: ### California In **California**, [§4018](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4018.html) provides that a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*[^10] must satisfy requirements, in particular the inclusion of these (or similar) words found in [§4124](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4124.html): *"A durable Power of Attorney is a Power of Attorney by which a principal designates another person as attorney-in-fact in writing and the power of attorney contains any of the following statements:* *(a) “This Power of Attorney shall not be affected by subsequent incapacity of the principal.”* *(b) “This Power of Attorney shall become effective upon the incapacity of the principal.”* *(c) Similar words showing the intent of the principal that the authority conferred shall be exercisable notwithstanding the principal's subsequent incapacity."* ### Texas [§751.002](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-002.html) provides that [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*[^11] must comply with the requirements of [§751.0021(a)](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-0021.html) [§751.0021(a)](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-0021.html) states:- *"An instrument is a durable Power of Attorney for purposes of this subtitle if the instrument..* *(3) contains:* *(A) the words:* *(i) “This Power of Attorney is not affected by subsequent disability or incapacity of the principal”; or* *(ii) “This Power of Attorney becomes effective on the disability or incapacity of the principal”; or* *(B) words similar to those of Paragraph (A) that clearly indicate that the authority conferred on the agent shall be exercised notwithstanding the principal's subsequent disability or incapacity.."* ### Florida [§709.2104](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2104.html) requires inclusion of certain words in a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*.[^12] [§709.2104](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2104.html) states:- *..a Power of Attorney is durable if it contains the words: “This durable power of attorney is not terminated by subsequent incapacity of the principal except as provided in Chapter 709, Florida Statutes,” or similar words that show the principal's intent that the authority conferred is exercisable notwithstanding the principal's subsequent incapacity.”* ### New York, Illinois & Pennsylvania In **New York**, **Illinois** & **Pennsylvania** no provisions require a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* to contain certain words: - in **New York** a *Power of Attorney* is [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) unless it expressly provides that it is [terminated](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/termmng#termination-refers-to-a-power-of-attorney-coming-to-an-end) upon the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) losing [capacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#capacity-refers-to-ability-to-manage-ones-own-affairs) and so, care is required to ensure that the wording of any [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* does not fall afoul of this requirement ([§5-1501A](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1501A)) - in **Illinois** a *Power of Attorney* continues until the death of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) notwithstanding their disability or [incapacity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#the-six-6-greater-states-have-defined-incapacity-in-legislation) ([§2-5](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-2-5.html)) - in **Pennsylvania** all *Powers of Attorney* are presumed [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) unless they provide otherwise, which is to be read in conjunction with the following extract from the *Important Information For The Agent* found in [§5601](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5601.html) which states “*..[y]our agent may exercise the powers given here throughout your lifetime, even after you become incapacitated, unless you expressly limit the duration of these powers or you revoke these powers or a court acting on your behalf terminates your agent's authority..*" ([§5601.1](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5601-1.html)) ## **Witnessing & Acknowledgement Requirements** ### **Witnessing & Acknowledgement Requirements Are Common** In **Texas**, a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*[^13] must be executed before someone [authorized to take acknowledgements or oaths](https://law.justia.com/codes/texas/2019/civil-practice-and-remedies-code/title-6/chapter-121/)([§751.0021](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-0021.html)).[^14] In **California**, the signature of a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) who is a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^15] may either be acknowledged before a notary public or signed by at least two witnesses who satisfy certain requirements ([§4121](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4121.html) & [§4122](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4122.html)). > The [1994 California Law Revision Commission Report](http://www.clrc.ca.gov/pub/Printed-Reports/Pub181.pdf) which led to enactment of [Division 4.5 of the Probate Code](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displayexpandedbranch.xhtml?tocCode=PROB&division=4.5.&title=&part=&chapter=&article=&nodetreepath=6) usefully observed: > > "*The witnessing or acknowledgment requirement is intended to provide a protective level of formality for durable powers of attorney. Acknowledgment before a notary public is needed to facilitate recording a power of attorney in transactions affecting real property.[^16] The principal is given the alternative of witnessing in the interest of flexibility, and in recognition of the fact that a notary is not needed if a power of attorney does not pertain to real property and in some situations may not be available..*" > > (As to [§4122](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4122.html)) "*Nothing in this section affects the requirements concerning recordable instruments. A power of attorney legally sufficient as a grant of authority under this division must satisfy the general rules concerning recordation in Civil Code Sections 1169-1231. To facilitate recordation of a power of attorney granting authority concerning real property, the power of attorney should be acknowledged before a notary, whether or not it is witnessed*.." In **New York**, the signature of a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) who is a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^17] must be acknowledged in the manner prescribed for the acknowledgment of a conveyance of real property and witnessed by two [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) who are not [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) ([§5-1501B](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1501B)). **Florida** and **Illinois** require a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney)[^18] who is a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) to have their signature both witnessed and acknowledged before a notary public, although:- - in **Illinois**, it appears witnessing requirements only operate in respect of a [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il);[^19] and - in **Florida**, two witnesses are required in addition to the notary public (§709.2105) These requirements are identified in more detail, including legislative references in the [Execution & Other Requirements Summary Table](https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSylzyLi8Oey6Xs3KKLjhleSAtC6hoMBfnK8TZ7tHwqlZFO9Q6-i7CkJnehlnj-0J0xSb5nZ-oNplbX/pub). ### Acknowledgements May Be Separate As recognized in the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) of **California** ([§4121](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4121.html)) and **Illinois** ([§3-3](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-3-3.html)), an acknowledgement is often in the form of a separate document, being perhaps supplied by the notary public providing the acknowledgement. In **Illinois**,[^20] there are express limitations upon the relationship between a potential notary public and the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) (see [§3-3.6](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-3-3-6.html), cited below under the heading ‘Witnesses’). ### Witnesses Are Usually Adults Witnesses to the signing of a *Power of Attorney* by a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) are expected to be competent adults, as expressly recognized in the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) of **California** and **Pennsylvania**. It would likely be in the interests of a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney), their [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) and the witnesses, to ensure that the witnesses are not [agents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/agentswhatisagent#an-agent-is-an-entity-appointed-by-the-principal-to-represent-and-bind-the-principal) appointed under the *Power of Attorney* or otherwise capable of benefitting from the [creation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) of the *Power of Attorney.* Adults in middle years seem most suitable as witnesses, being likely to available to give evidence of witnessing the execution of the *Power of Attorney* for some time into the future. Generally speaking, middle-aged professionals, such as lawyers or accountants for example, might be good witnesses. In **Illinois**, the position is expressly addressed in [§3-3.6](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-3-3-6.html) which states:- *".. every property power shall bear the signature of a witness to the signing of the agency and shall be notarized. None of the following may serve as a witness to the signing of a property power or as a notary public notarizing the property power:* *(1) the attending physician or mental health service provider of the principal, or a relative of the physician or provider;* *(2) an owner, operator, or relative of an owner or operator of a health care facility in which the principal is a patient or resident;* *(3) a parent, sibling, or descendant, or the spouse of a parent, sibling, or descendant, of either the principal or any agent or successor agent, regardless of whether the relationship is by blood, marriage, or adoption;* *(4) an agent or successor agent for property.* *(b) The prohibition on the operator of a health care facility from serving as a witness shall extend to directors and executive officers of an operator that is a corporate entity but not other employees of the operator."* Of course, in states like **Texas** where a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* must be witnessed before a notary public, there is no reason to consider lay witnesses, By contrast, in **New York** for example, where a *Power of Attorney* must be acknowledged before a notary public (or similar) and two lay witnesses, these comments above are more pertinent. ### Signing Can Be Done By Another Person In **California**, **Texas**,[^21] **New York** and **Pennyslvania**, if a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) cannot sign a *Power of Attorney*,[^22] a person may sign a *Power of Attorney*[^23] on behalf of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney): - in **California**, **Texas**[^24] & **New York** [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) does not specify that a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) must be unable to sign a *Power of Attorney*[^25] before someone else may sign it for them - in **Florida & Pennsylvania**, [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) expressly provides that another person may only sign a *Power of Attorney*[^26] on behalf of the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) if the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) is unable to sign the *Power of Attorney* In **Florida**, the only person who may sign a *Power of Attorney*[^27] on behalf of a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) being a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) is the notary public before whom the oath or acknowledgement is made. **Illinois** is the only state in which [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) does not recognize the right of a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) being a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) to have their *Power of Attorney*[^28] signed on their behalf by another [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person), accepting that:- - **Illinois** also has the most liberal [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons), enforcing the right of a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) to define how things will work (see [§2-4](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-2-4.html)) - it might be suggested this 'freedom' entitles the [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) to execute a *Power of Attorney* by any means they see fit ## **Font Size Requirements** Three (3) of the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) impose font size requirements:- - in **California** a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney*[^29] must include a [§4128 notice](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4128.html) in 10 point boldface type - in **New York** a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person)[^30] must be in at least 12 point type ([§5-1501B](https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/laws/GOB/5-1501B)) - in **Illinois**, a [government form](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/governmentforms#government-forms-in-ca-tx-ny-il) must be contain a certain notice in at least 14 point type ([§3-3](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-3-3.html)) ## **Requirements for Filing Purposes** A *Power of Attorney*[^31] typically needs to satisfy certain requirements before it can be filed in the land titles agency of a particular state. If for example, execution and witnessing requirements in a given state are not satisfied, it may be rejected.[^32] In some states, a *Power of Attorney* can be filed with the Court that hears cases involving management of the affairs of [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) who are [incapacitated](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/capacitytexas#the-six-6-greater-states-have-defined-incapacity-in-legislation). There is reference for example, to filing of *Powers of Attorney* in the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) of **California**, **Texas** and **Pennsylvania**:- | | | | --- | --- | | **California** | The [§4128](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/probate-code/prob-sect-4128.html) notice provides that a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* that may affect real property should be acknowledged before a notary public so that it may "***easily be recorded***" | | **Texas** | [§751.151](https://codes.findlaw.com/tx/estates-code/est-sect-751-151.html) provides: "***A durable power of attorney** **for a real property transaction** requiring the execution and delivery of an instrument that is to be recorded, including a release, assignment, satisfaction, mortgage, including a reverse mortgage, security agreement, deed of trust, encumbrance, deed of conveyance, oil, gas, or other mineral lease, memorandum of a lease, lien, including a home equity lien, or other claim or right to real property, **must be recorded in the office of the county clerk** of the county **in which the property is located** not later than the 30th day after the date the instrument is filed for recording.*" | | **Florida** | [§709.2106](https://codes.findlaw.com/fl/title-xl-real-and-personal-property/fl-st-sect-709-2106.html) provides: "*An original of a properly executed power of attorney **may be presented to the clerk of the circuit court for recording** in the official records as provided under s. 28.222 upon payment of the service charge as provided under s. 28.24.*" | | **Pennsylvania** | [§5602(c)](https://codes.findlaw.com/pa/title-20-pacsa-decedents-estates-and-fiduciaries/pa-csa-sect-20-5602.html) provides: "*An originally executed power of attorney **may be filed** **with the clerk of the orphans' court division of the court of common pleas **in the county in which the principal resides, and, i**f it is acknowledged, it may be recorded in the office for the recording of deeds of the county of the principal's residence and of each county in which real property to be affected by an exercise of the power is located**. A power of attorney executed in electronic form may be recorded in the same manner as a document subject to the act of July 5, 2012 (P.L.935, No.100), known as the Uniform Real Property Electronic Recording Act. The clerk of the orphans' court division or any office for the recording of deeds with whom the power has been filed may, upon request, issue certified copies of the power of attorney. Each such certified copy shall have the same validity and the same force and effect as if it were the original, and it may be filed of record in any other office of this Commonwealth (including, without limitation, the clerk of the orphans' court division or the office for the recording of deeds) as if it were the original.*" | ## ***Powers of Attorney*** **For Commercial Entities** Unlike *Powers of Attorney* for [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person), in the [Six (6) Greater States](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/introduction#ca-tx-ny-fl-il-and-pa) *Powers of Attorney* for [commercial entities](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) such as limited liability companies ([LLC](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-llc)), limited liability partnerships ([LLP](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-llp)), trusts, corporations or associations are not governed by specific [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons). [Legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) relating to *Powers of Attorney* for [persons](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) typically is expressed in terms that makes clear that it does not apply to *Powers of Attorney* for [commercial entities](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity). Consequently, *Powers of Attorney* for [commercial entities](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) are not subject to mandatory requirements imposed by [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons). [Commercial entities](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) are subject to non-legislative requirements when [creating](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney* and for example, certain [legislative](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#legislative-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney* may have specific requirements. When [creating](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney* for a [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity), it is important to consider:- - [constituting documents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-constituting-documents) (such as the *Articles of Incorporation* for a corporation, partnership deed for a partnership, trust deed for a trust and similar) to clarify matters like execution requirements, the extent of any limitations in respect of the right of the [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney* and similar - any other instruments that may affect the ability of the [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney*, such as contracts entered by the [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) with third parties under which the [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) may have agreed not to [create](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) a *Power of Attorney* for certain purposes and similar - the need for passing of a resolution by the [commercial entity](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-commercial-entity) approving the [creation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) of the *Power of Attorney*. A more detailed explanation of these considerations is under the heading [Creation of a *Power of Attorney* By a Commercial Entity Involves Special Considerations](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#creation-of-a-power-of-attorney-by-a-commercial-entity-involves-special-considerations). [^1]: Being not *Powers of Attorney* excluded from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) - [click here](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) to read more. [^2]: Ibid. [^3]: Ibid. [^4]: Being *Powers of Attorney* that are not excluded from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) - [click here](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) to read more. [^5]: Being a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) that is not excluded from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) - [click here](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) to read more. [^6]: Found in their [constituting documents](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-constituting-documents) read in conjunction with [common law](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-common-law). [^7]: Ibid. [^8]: Being a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person). [^9]: Being not *Powers of Attorney* excluded from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) - [click here](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) to read more. [^10]: Being a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) that is not excluded from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) - [click here](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) to read more. [^11]: Other requirements may also apply, dealing with inclusion of specific words, font size and similar. [^12]: Ibid. [^13]: Ibid. [^14]: This requirement does not apply to [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Powers of Attorney* because the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons). [^15]: Being a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) in respect of a *Power of Attorney* that is not excluded from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) - [click here](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) to read more. [^16]: See California Civil Code [§1213](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/civil-code/civ-sect-1213.html) and [§1216](https://codes.findlaw.com/ca/civil-code/civ-sect-1216.html) [^17]: Ibid. [^18]: In respect of a *Power of Attorney* not excluded from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) - [click here](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) to read more. [^19]: Requiring acknowledgement and at least one witness, who cannot be the notary before whom the acknowledgement is given ([§3-3](https://codes.findlaw.com/il/chapter-755-estates/il-st-sect-755-45-3-3.html)). [^20]: In respect of a *Power of Attorney* not excluded from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) - [click here](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) to read more. [^21]: In respect of a [durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#a-durable-power-of-attorney-operates-if-the-principal-lacks-or-may-lack-capacity) *Power of Attorney* only (*in Texas in respect of a [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* for which there are no legislative requirements, it would be a question for lawyers whether for example, a [non-durable](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/typescommonlyusedpersons#non-durable-powers-of-attorney) *Power of Attorney* [created](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/creation/create#terms-like-create-or-make-a-power-of-attorney-have-various-meanings) by a [principal](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/principal#the-principal-is-the-entity-that-makes-the-power-of-attorney) who directed another person to sign the *Power of Attorney* on their behalf would be binding*). [^22]: Being not a *Power of Attorney* excluded from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) - [click here](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) to read more. [^23]: Ibid. [^24]: See earlier footnote. [^25]: Being not a *Power of Attorney* excluded from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) - [click here](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) to read more. [^26]: Ibid. [^27]: Ibid. [^28]: Ibid. [^29]: Being a *Power of Attorney* for a [person](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/terms#meaning-of-person-ie-natural-person) that is not excluded from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) - [click here](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) to read more. [^30]: Ibid. [^31]: Ibid. [^32]: For example, in California a *Power of Attorney* (*being not a *Power of Attorney* excluded from the ambit of the [legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#the-legislation-governs-powers-of-attorney-for-persons) - [click here](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/legislation#exclusions) to read more*) may be executed before two witnesses without a notary public and so, if a real property transaction in another state, let's say New York, needs to be registered in reliance upon the *Power of Attorney*, it may not be accepted in New York if the filed records must be executed before a notary public (notwithstanding any [reciprocal legislation](https://wiki.powersofattorney.com/propinotherstates#unless-affairs-are-inexorably-linked-to-one-state-things-become-complicated)).