How Long Does It Take to Get a Power of Attorney?

Quick Answer

Getting a power of attorney (POA) takes 1–3 days from start to finish. The document itself can be drafted in minutes using an online template or a few days if you hire an attorney. The main time factors are choosing the right type of POA, having it properly signed, and getting it notarized—which may require scheduling an appointment.

Timeline by Method

Method	Drafting Time	Total Time	Cost
Online legal service (LegalZoom, etc.)	15–30 min	Same day–1 day	$35–$150
DIY with state-specific template	30–60 min	Same day–1 day	Free–$30
Attorney-drafted	2–5 days	3–7 days	$200–$500
Estate planning package (with will, etc.)	1–2 weeks	1–3 weeks	$500–$2,500

Types of Power of Attorney

POA Type	Purpose	Duration	Common Use
General POA	Broad financial and legal authority	Until revoked or incapacity	Business transactions
Durable POA	Remains valid if principal becomes incapacitated	Until death or revocation	Elder care planning
Limited (Special) POA	Specific tasks or time period	As defined in document	Real estate closing, tax filing
Medical (Healthcare) POA	Healthcare decisions	During incapacity	Medical emergencies
Springing POA	Activates upon a specific event	After triggering event	Future incapacity planning
Financial POA	Financial decisions only	Varies	Managing investments, paying bills

Step-by-Step Process

Step	Time	Details
Decide which type of POA you need	15–30 min	Consider scope, duration, and purpose
Choose your agent (attorney-in-fact)	Varies	Select a trusted person
Draft the document	15 min–5 days	Online service, template, or attorney
Review the document	15–30 min	Verify powers granted, limitations, effective dates
Sign with witnesses	15–30 min	Most states require 1–2 witnesses
Notarize	15–30 min	Visit a notary public, bank, or UPS store
Distribute copies	15 min	Give copies to agent, banks, healthcare providers

Notarization Requirements

Most states require a POA to be notarized to be legally valid, especially for financial and real estate matters. Some states also require witnesses in addition to notarization.

• Where to notarize: Banks (often free for customers), UPS stores, law offices, courthouses, and mobile notary services.
• What to bring: Valid government-issued photo ID, the unsigned POA document, and your agent's full legal name and address.
• Remote online notarization (RON): Many states now allow notarization via video call. This can save significant time, especially for people with mobility issues.
• Cost: $5–$25 per signature in most states. Mobile notaries charge $50–$150 for house calls.

State Rules and Important Tips

POA laws vary by state. About 25 states follow the Uniform Power of Attorney Act, but each has variations in witness requirements (one, two, or none), recording rules for real estate transactions, and mandatory statutory forms (California, New York, and Illinois each have their own).

• Act while the principal is competent: A person must be mentally competent to sign a POA. If capacity is already lost, a court-appointed guardianship is the only option—a much longer and more expensive process.
• Consult an attorney for complex situations: Multi-state real estate, significant assets, broader estate plans, or potential family disputes warrant professional legal help.
• Be specific about powers: If you only need someone to handle a specific task, use a limited POA rather than a general one.
• Name a successor agent: If your primary agent cannot serve, a named successor avoids creating a new document.
• Review every 3–5 years: Update after major life changes like marriage, divorce, or moving to a new state.
• Keep the original safe: Store it in a fireproof safe or with your attorney. Some institutions require the original, not a copy.