Power of Attorney: What to Bring, What to Expect

October 21, 2025•3 min read

Granting someone Power of Attorney (POA) is one of the most important legal steps you can take — and getting it notarized correctly ensures that the document is valid, recognized, and ready to use. Whether you’re signing on behalf of a loved one or preparing your own estate documents, here’s what you need to know to make your Power of Attorney signing smooth and stress-free.

Illustration of a woman writing while using a laptop, representing preparation for a Power of Attorney notarization. The image conveys professionalism and guidance for clients learning what to bring and expect for their signing appointment.

1. Bring Valid Identification

Every signer must present a valid, unexpired government-issued ID such as:

A California driver’s license or state ID
A U.S. passport or passport card
Matricula Consular is not acceptable ID for a CA notarization
Other approved identification under California notarial law

If your ID has recently expired, contact your notary before your appointment — in some cases, it may still be acceptable if issued within the last five years.

2. Have the Complete Document Ready

Make sure your Power of Attorney document is fully completed before the notary arrives.
This means:

No blank spaces or missing signatures
Clearly printed names of all parties involved
The correct type of POA indicated (Durable, Financial, Medical, etc.)

Your notary is not allowed to give legal advice or draft documents, so it’s best to review your paperwork with your attorney or document preparer beforehand.

3. Confirm the Signer’s Capacity and Willingness

One of the notary’s primary responsibilities is verifying that the signer is of sound mind and signing willingly. If the signer appears confused, pressured, or unaware of what they’re signing, the notary must decline the notarization. For signers in hospitals or care facilities, it’s a good idea to have a trusted witness or family member present.

4. Know Who Needs to Be Present

Typically, the following individuals must be present at the signing:

The principal (the person granting authority)
The agent or attorney-in-fact (if signing simultaneously)
Any required witnesses, if the document specifies

Everyone must have valid identification, and witnesses cannot be named within the document.

5. Prepare for the Appointment

To ensure a smooth notarization:

Choose a quiet, comfortable space with minimal distractions.
Have all pages of the document ready (not just the signature page).
Keep an extra pen handy (blue or black ink only).
If the notary is traveling to you, confirm parking and access details in advance.

At Riqueza Business Ventures™ LLC, we understand that these appointments often carry emotional weight — especially when involving family or health-related matters. Our goal is to make the process compassionate, efficient, and legally sound.

6. After the Notarization

Once the notarization is complete, your notary will:

Affix their official California notarial seal
Complete the notarial certificate
Return the document to you for safekeeping or delivery to your attorney

If the document must be used outside the United States, you may also need an Apostille — a special certification for international use. We can help guide you through that next step.

Final Thoughts

Power of Attorney documents are powerful tools that help protect your loved ones and manage important affairs. With the right preparation — valid ID, complete documents, and a qualified mobile notary — your signing can be quick, simple, and worry-free.

At Riqueza Business Ventures™ LLC, we specialize in estate plan notarizations, including Powers of Attorney, Trusts, and Wills, with flexible scheduling across the Bay Area — in English or Spanish.

📅 Ready to schedule your notarization?
Book your appointment today at www.riquezabusinessventures.com/appointments
or contact us directly at [email protected] or (510) 497-4509.