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Signing a power of attorney (POA) online can help you move faster, reduce manual work, and keep a clear record of every step. People use e‑signatures to set up POAs for financial, medical, real estate, or temporary decision‑making needs.
Xodo Sign gives you a simple way to prepare, send, sign, and track POA forms. It include identity checks, audit trails, and secure document storage for legal industry professionals.
We'll show you how to sign a power of attorney online with Xodo Sign from start to finish.
How to sign a Power of Attorney online with Xodo Sign
1. Sign up or log in
- Start a 7-day free trial to follow the steps. No credit card required.
- Or log in if you already have an account.
2. Upload your POA document
- Go to Documents.
- Click the + icon.
- Select Choose Files or drag and drop your file.
- You can also upload from cloud storage.
3. Add signers and set roles
- Choose who needs to sign: Me Only, Me and Others, or Others Only.
- Enter each signer’s name and email address.
- Mark them as Signer or CC recipient.
- Set a signing order.
- Enable SMS or PIN codes for verifying your signers' identity.
- Create and add a message to your signers.
- Set auto-reminders, completion requirements, or expiration dates.
- Click on Prepare.
4. Insert form fields
- Place signature, initials, date, and text fields on the page.
- Assign each field to the correct role.
- Click your signature field if you're signing.
- Draw, type, or upload your signature.
- Click on Sign.
- Select Send when all fields are set.
5. Track and manage signatures
- Go to the Documents tab in your dashboard.
- Check who has already signed the document.
- Send out signing reminders.
- View the audit trail.
- Download the completed POA once all signatures are finished.
Xodo Sign helps you complete general, limited, durable, and financial POAs with the same signing process.
Tip: request signatures on iOS or Android
You can request signatures from your phone or tablet as well. Xodo Sign works inside the Xodo Mobile app for Android and iOS. For more details, read our guides below:
The Xodo Sign advantage for legal teams and POAs
POA documents often involve sensitive decisions. Xodo Sign supports legal teams and individuals with records that are reliable, clear, and easy to organize.
- Legal validity and compliance
Xodo Sign follows ESIGN and UETA for e‑signature validity. Each document includes a complete audit trail with timestamps, IP addresses, and signer events. - Audit Trails
In legal matters, comprehensive audits are necessary. You can view timestamps, IP addresses, and signer actions for full transparency. - Multiple signers and role control
POAs may include several people. Some require witnesses or multiple agents. Xodo Sign supports multi‑signer workflows, custom roles, and ordered steps. - Security and privacy
Xodo Sign uses encryption and security measures for sensitive documents used by financial institutions and legal teams.
POA identity, witness and notary needs
Different POA types come with different signing rules, especially for medical power forms and durable POAs. Before sending a POA for signature, check the requirements in the state where the principal lives before sending the document.
Identity verification
In Xodo Sign, you can enable SMS codes or PIN codes to verify the signer’s identity.
These options complement Knowledge‑Based Authentication (KBA), used for higher‑trust POAs where the agent has broad legal authority.
Witness requirements
Some states require one or two witnesses when signing a POA, especially medical or durable types.
You can easily add witnesses as signers in Xodo Sign and assign them signature or initials fields.
A witness must be:
- An adult
- Someone who is not the named agent
- Not someone with a financial interest in the outcome
Some states allow remote witnessing. Always follow the local rules for the principal’s state.
Notarization
A few states still require notarization for specific POA types. Many accept remote online notarization.
If notarization is needed:
- Complete the signature workflow in Xodo Sign
- Download the file
- Send it to an online notary platform
This produces a notarized document that meets your state’s requirements. Check if your state allows online notarization or requires a traditional notary.
When POAs need e‑signatures vs wet signatures
E-signatures are legal across the United States under ESIGN and UETA. They are widely accepted for most general, limited, and financial powers of attorney.
POA types that usually allow e‑signatures:
- General powers of attorney
- Financial powers of attorney
- Limited or specific‑task (special) POAs
- Temporary POAs for childcare, business tasks, or property matters
POA types that may still require a notary or handwritten signature:
- Medical care or healthcare powers of attorney in certain states
- Durable POAs in states with specific witness rules
- POAs used real estate transactions
- States that haven’t fully adopted remote notarization
If a wet signature is needed, a local notary may have to witness the signing. In some cases, you can sign electronically first, then notarize later.
Other legal documents you can sign online:
If you handle other legal documents, these guides can help:
Frequently asked questions
What is a POA?
A power of attorney is a legal document that lets one person authorize another person to act on their behalf. The creator is the principal, and the person they choose is the agent. A POA can cover financial, medical, property, or limited tasks depending on the form.
Can a power of attorney be signed online?
Yes. Electronic signatures are legal under ESIGN and UETA. Some POA types may still need notarization, depending on state law.
Do states have different POA requirements?
Yes. Some states require witnesses or a notary. Check your state’s POA statute or talk to a legal professional.
How do you sign a power of attorney for someone else?
If you’re signing as the agent, use your own name followed by your role. Example: Jane Smith, as attorney‑in‑fact for John Smith.
How do I sign a document online on someone’s behalf?
Upload the document to Xodo Sign, choose Me and Others, add yourself as the signer, and use your assigned signature field.
Can a family member sign a POA?
Yes. A family member can serve as the agent. Some states limit who can act on medical or financial POAs. Make sure to check your local state laws.
How to get power of attorney when the person cannot sign?
Some states allow a mark or a signature made at the person's direction, often with witnesses or a notary present. If the person can’t communicate intent, a POA cannot be created. A court may appoint a guardian instead.
What are common POA mistakes to avoid?
People often miss required POA forms, skip witnesses and notary steps or list an agent who can't manage money or property. A quick review helps avoid delays.
When should a POA be signed?
A POA should be signed before the principal needs help. Many sign one during medical planning or property decisions. Signing early helps the agent act in the principal’s best interests.
Move your POA forward securely with Xodo Sign
You now have the steps for signing a power of attorney online and how Xodo Sign supports each part of the process.
Audit records, identity checks, and secure storage help you keep POAs organized and legally binding. You can save time, reduce manual work and move legal matters forward with less stress.
Upload your POA to Xodo Sign and sign documents in minutes.
