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Power of Attorney Maker

California Power of Attorney Form

Fill in a California durable, medical or limited power of attorney online. We add the California signing block from the statute. Free PDF, no signup.

1. Type and state
California signing rule: Date and sign it, then either acknowledge it before a notary OR have two adult witnesses sign. If it may affect real estate, use a notary so it can be recorded. (Cal. Prob. Code §4121 and §4122) California guide and sources
2. You (the principal)
3. Your agent

The person you trust to act for you. Choose an adult who is not your witness or notary.

4. Successor agent (optional)

Steps in if your agent can't or won't act.

5. Powers you grant

Untick anything you don't want your agent to handle.

6. Special powers (optional)

These can change who inherits your property, so most states require you to grant them one by one. Each one you tick gets a line for your initials. Leave them off unless you are sure.

7. When it starts
8. Other terms

Paying your agent

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We are not a law firm and this is not legal advice. The tool fills your own choices into a template and adds signing blocks from the official rules we cite. For complex estates, special needs or business interests, talk to an attorney.

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Last updated · Written by the Power of Attorney Maker editorial team. State rules checked against official statute sources.

This page summarizes how a power of attorney must be signed in California, taken from the statute and checked on . The form above applies these rules automatically when California is selected.

California power of attorney at a glance

Signing requirements

Financial power of attorney (Cal. Prob. Code §4121 and §4122)

Rule: Date and sign it, then either acknowledge it before a notary OR have two adult witnesses sign. If it may affect real estate, use a notary so it can be recorded.

Law: Cal. Prob. Code §4121 and §4122

Witnesses:

  • Witnesses must be adults.
  • Your agent (attorney-in-fact) may not be a witness.
  • Each witness must see you sign or see you acknowledge your signature.
  • A printed durable power of attorney form used without a lawyer must include the two warning notices in Probate Code §4128 in at least 10-point bold type. Our California durable documents include both notices.
  • A durable power of attorney that may affect real property should be acknowledged before a notary so it can be recorded (§4128).

Sources: Cal. Probate Code §4121; Cal. Probate Code §4122; Cal. Probate Code §4128 (required notices)

Power of Attorney for Health Care (Advance Health Care Directive) (Cal. Prob. Code §4673, §4674 and §4675)

Rule: Date and sign it, then either acknowledge it before a notary OR have two qualified adult witnesses sign.

Law: Cal. Prob. Code §4673, §4674 and §4675

Witnesses:

  • A witness can't be your health care provider or their employee.
  • A witness can't be the operator or an employee of a community care facility or a residential care facility for the elderly.
  • A witness can't be your agent.
  • At least one witness must be neither related to you by blood, marriage or adoption nor entitled to part of your estate.
  • If you are a patient in a skilled nursing facility, a patient advocate or ombudsman must also sign as a witness (§4675).
  • An electronic advance directive must be notarized and meet the digital signature rules in §4673(b).

Sources: Cal. Probate Code §4673; Cal. Probate Code §4674; Cal. Probate Code §4675

After signing

General information, not legal advice. Laws change; confirm with the official source or a California attorney. See all states on the requirements by state page.

Frequently asked questions

Does a power of attorney need to be notarized in California?

Financial: Date and sign it, then either acknowledge it before a notary OR have two adult witnesses sign. If it may affect real estate, use a notary so it can be recorded. (Cal. Prob. Code §4121 and §4122). Medical: Date and sign it, then either acknowledge it before a notary OR have two qualified adult witnesses sign. (Cal. Prob. Code §4673, §4674 and §4675).

How many witnesses does a California power of attorney need?

For a financial power of attorney: 2 if you don't use a notary. For a medical power of attorney (Power of Attorney for Health Care (Advance Health Care Directive)): 2 if you don't use a notary.

Who can't be a witness in California?

Witnesses must be adults. Your agent (attorney-in-fact) may not be a witness. Each witness must see you sign or see you acknowledge your signature. A witness can't be your health care provider or their employee. A witness can't be the operator or an employee of a community care facility or a residential care facility for the elderly. A witness can't be your agent. At least one witness must be neither related to you by blood, marriage or adoption nor entitled to part of your estate. If you are a patient in a skilled nursing facility, a patient advocate or ombudsman must also sign as a witness (§4675).

Is this California form free?

Yes. Fill it in and download the PDF free, with no signup. Word, the signing packet and saved copies are optional paid extras.