A general power of attorney (POA) form lets you authorize someone to handle financial and legal matters on your behalf—like managing bank accounts, paying bills, signing contracts, and handling property. Unlike a durable POA, a general POA ends if you become incapacitated. You can get a free general POA form from your state’s bar association or pay $35-$150 for an online legal service. Most states require notarization. Here’s what a general POA covers, how it differs from other types, and how to create one.
What Is a General Power of Attorney?
A general power of attorney is a legal document that gives another person (your “agent” or “attorney-in-fact”) broad authority to act on your behalf in financial and legal matters. You (the “principal”) remain in control and can revoke it anytime.
What a General POA Allows Your Agent to Do
- Access and manage bank accounts
- Pay bills and manage finances
- Buy, sell, or manage real estate
- Sign contracts and legal documents
- File taxes
- Manage investments
- Handle business operations
- Collect debts and settle claims
What a General POA Does NOT Cover
- Healthcare decisions — Requires a separate healthcare POA or medical directive
- Making a will for you — Only you can create your will
- Voting on your behalf — Cannot be delegated
- Actions after you become incapacitated — A general POA ends; you need a durable POA for this
General POA vs. Other Types of Power of Attorney
General Power of Attorney
- Scope: Broad financial and legal authority
- Duration: Ends if you become incapacitated or die
- Best for: Temporary needs while you’re capable—travel, busy schedule, convenience
Durable Power of Attorney
- Scope: Same as general, but includes “durable” language
- Duration: Continues if you become incapacitated
- Best for: Long-term planning, aging, potential health issues
Limited (Special) Power of Attorney
- Scope: Specific tasks only (e.g., sell one property, close one account)
- Duration: Ends when task is complete or specified date passes
- Best for: Single transactions when you can’t be present
Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Scope: Medical decisions only
- Duration: Usually durable (continues if incapacitated)
- Best for: Ensuring someone can make medical decisions if you can’t
Important: Most people doing estate planning need a durable POA, not a general POA. A general POA becomes useless exactly when you need it most—if you become incapacitated.
What’s Included in a General Power of Attorney Form
A standard general POA form includes these sections:
1. Principal Information
- Your full legal name
- Address
- Date of birth (some forms)
2. Agent Information
- Agent’s full legal name
- Address
- Successor agent (backup) information
3. Powers Granted
A list of specific powers, which you can grant or withhold:
- Banking and financial transactions
- Real estate transactions
- Business operations
- Tax matters
- Insurance and retirement benefits
- Legal claims and litigation
- Personal property
4. Effective Date and Duration
- When the POA takes effect (immediately or upon a specific event)
- Expiration date (if any)
5. Signature and Notarization
- Principal’s signature
- Witness signatures (if required by state)
- Notary acknowledgment
How to Create a General Power of Attorney Form
Option 1: Free State Forms
Many states provide free POA forms:
- State bar association websites
- State legislature websites
- Court self-help centers
- Legal aid organizations
Pros: Free, designed for your state’s requirements
Cons: No guidance filling it out, no legal review
Option 2: Online Legal Services
- LegalZoom: $35-$89 for POA
- Rocket Lawyer: Free with membership ($39.99/month) or $39.99 one-time
- LawDepot: $35-$50
- Nolo: $35-$60
Pros: Guided questionnaire, state-specific forms, affordable
Cons: No personalized legal advice
Option 3: Estate Planning Attorney
- Cost: $150-$500 for POA alone, $500-$2,000+ as part of estate plan
Pros: Personalized advice, handles complex situations, ensures validity
Cons: Most expensive option
Best for: Complex situations, large assets, business ownership, or when you want certainty.
State Requirements: Witnesses and Notarization
Most states require notarization for a POA to be valid. Some also require witnesses. Requirements vary:
States Requiring Notarization Only
Most states fall into this category. The POA must be signed before a notary public, but witnesses are not required.
States Requiring Notarization AND Witnesses
Some states require both notarization and one or two witnesses, including: Florida, Georgia, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, and others. Check your state’s specific requirements.
Witness Requirements (When Applicable)
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Cannot be the agent named in the POA
- Should not be related to you or the agent
- Must be present when you sign
How to Get Your POA Notarized
In-Person Options
- Banks: Free for customers (call ahead)
- UPS Store: $5-$15 per signature
- Law offices: $10-$25
- Mobile notary: $50-$150 (comes to you)
Online Notarization
If you can’t get to a notary in person, BlueNotary offers online notarization for power of attorney documents.
- Connect with a licensed notary over video call
- Complete the process in about 15 minutes
- Available 24/7
- Legal in most states
Need to notarize your POA? Visit BlueNotary.us to get started.
When You Need a General Power of Attorney
- Extended travel: Going abroad and need someone to handle finances at home
- Military deployment: Need someone to manage affairs while serving overseas
- Busy schedule: Can’t be present for certain transactions
- Business operations: Need someone to sign contracts or manage business matters
- Real estate closing: Can’t attend a property closing in person
Note: If you’re planning for potential incapacity (illness, aging), you need a durable POA, not a general POA. A general POA ends if you become incapacitated.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using general POA when you need durable: A general POA ends if you become incapacitated—exactly when you might need it most.
- Not getting it notarized: Most states require notarization. Without it, banks and other institutions will reject your POA.
- Being too vague about powers: Specify what your agent can do. Vague language leads to rejected transactions.
- Choosing the wrong agent: Pick someone trustworthy. Your agent will have significant power over your finances.
- Not naming a successor agent: If your agent can’t serve, you’ll need a backup.
- Using out-of-state forms: Use a form designed for your state’s laws.
- Not giving copies to institutions: Banks may require the POA on file before your agent can act.
The Bottom Line
A general power of attorney form gives your agent broad authority to handle financial and legal matters while you’re capable but unavailable. It ends if you become incapacitated—for long-term planning, you need a durable POA instead.
To create a valid general POA:
- Get a state-specific form (free from state bar, $35-$89 from online services)
- Fill out principal and agent information
- Specify the powers you’re granting
- Sign in front of a notary (and witnesses if your state requires)
- Provide copies to your agent and relevant institutions
Need to notarize your power of attorney? BlueNotary offers online notarization—connect with a licensed notary in about 15 minutes, available 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between general and durable power of attorney?
A general POA ends if you become incapacitated. A durable POA includes language that keeps it in effect even if you become incapacitated. For estate planning and aging preparation, you typically want a durable POA.
Does a power of attorney need to be notarized?
In most states, yes. Even in states where notarization isn’t technically required, most banks and financial institutions will reject a POA that isn’t notarized. Always get your POA notarized.
Can I revoke a power of attorney?
Yes. As long as you’re mentally competent, you can revoke a POA at any time by creating a written revocation, signing it, notifying your agent, and notifying any institutions that have the POA on file.
How much does a power of attorney cost?
Free state forms are available. Online services charge $35-$89. Attorneys charge $150-$500 for a standalone POA, or include it in estate planning packages for $500-$2,000+.
Can my agent change my will?
No. A POA does not give your agent the power to create or change your will. Only you can make or modify your will while you’re mentally competent.
When does a general power of attorney end?
A general POA ends when: (1) you revoke it, (2) you become incapacitated, (3) you die, (4) the specified expiration date passes, or (5) a court invalidates it.
Can I have more than one agent?
Yes. You can appoint co-agents who act together or separately. However, this can create complications. Most people appoint one primary agent and a successor (backup) agent.
