Can a Notary Public Help Me with Power of Attorney Documents?

If you’re here, chances are you’re facing a big moment.

Maybe you’ve just been told you need a Power of Attorney (POA) for a loved one in the hospital.

Maybe you’re caring for an aging parent and trying to get their affairs in order. Or maybe you’ve 

decided it’s time to put your own plan in place, just in case.

And now you’re staring at a document that says, “Must be notarized.”

This may trigger some questions like:

• Can a notary public help me with Power of Attorney documents?
  
  
• What exactly needs to be notarized?
  
  
• Where do I even find a notary… especially after hours or in a hospital?
  
  

You’re not alone, and you’re in the right place.

Let’s walk through it all, step by step.

First, What Is a Power of Attorney?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives someone else the authority to act on your behalf. That can include:

• Managing finances
  
  
• Making medical decisions
  
  
• Handling legal matters
  
  
• Signing documents
  
  
• Overseeing property or business affairs
  
  

There are different types of POAs: General, Durable, Medical, Limited—but most have something in common:

They need to be notarized to be valid.

What Does a Notary Do?

A notary public is a trained, state-commissioned professional who:

• Confirms the identity of the signer
  
  
• Ensures the signer is aware and willing
  
  
• Watches the document being signed
  
  
• Completes a notarial certificate
  
  
• Applies their official stamp or seal
  
  

This process helps protect against fraud and ensures the POA will hold up when it’s used, whether that’s with a bank, doctor, or court.

Can Any Notary Help with a Power of Attorney?

Technically, yes, any commissioned notary public can notarize a POA.

But that doesn’t mean just anyone should.

POA signings often happen under pressure:

• A loved one is in the hospital or nursing home
  
  
• A family is trying to finalize paperwork before travel or surgery
  
  
• Emotions are high, and time is short
  
  
• The signer may be elderly, vulnerable, or medically fragile
  
  

In those moments, you want a professional, someone who’s comfortable handling POAs and understands the seriousness of what’s being signed.

That’s exactly who you’ll find at Gotary.com.

Why It’s So Hard to Find a Notary at the Worst Possible Time

If you’ve ever tried calling your bank to see if they have a notary available, you already know the story:

• “We only notarize for account holders.”
  
  
• “We don’t notarize legal documents like POAs.”
  
  
• “Our notary is out today.”
  
  
• “You’ll need to schedule an appointment… next week.”
  
  

And forget about shipping stores after hours, they’re often closed before you even get off work.

But here’s the good news:

Mobile notaries are available outside of the 9-to-5 grind.

And many of them will come directly to your location, whether that’s your house, a hospital room, or a care facility.

What If the Person Can’t Travel?

That’s where mobile notaries shine. At Gotary.com, we have notaries who will travel to:

• Hospitals
  
  
• Rehab centers
  
  
• Assisted living facilities
  
  
• Private homes
  
  
• Offices
  
  
• Anywhere the signer is physically located
  
  

They bring everything needed to complete the notarization on-site, with patience, professionalism, and a clear understanding of what’s at stake.

If your signer is unable to move around easily, or if they’re recovering from surgery or facing a serious illness, we’ve got notaries who will meet them right where they are.

What If It’s After Hours or an Emergency?

Power of Attorney documents are often needed in a hurry, especially medical POAs.

That’s why many notaries on Gotary.com are available after hours, weekends, and even holidays. Some are available for same-day or emergency appointments.

If you’re in a time crunch, here’s what to do:

1. Go to Gotary.com
   
   
2. Choose your location
   
   
3. Search under Trust Delivery Agents (These are the notaries specially trained in estate planning documents)
   
   
4. Look for a notary who offers mobile services and after-hours availability
   
   
5. Reach out directly to schedule
   
   

You’ll be connected to a trained, vetted professional who understands the urgency and is ready to help.

What’s a CNTDA, and Why Does It Matter?

Gotary has a special category of notaries called Certified Notary Trust Delivery Agents (CNTDAs). These professionals have additional training in estate planning, including POA appointments.

They know how to:

• Work with elderly or vulnerable signers
  
  
• Maintain a calm, supportive presence during stressful moments
  
  
• Handle multi-document packages (like POA + Will + Advance Directive)
  
  
• Coordinate with attorneys and family members
  
  
• Protect the privacy and dignity of the signer
  
  

So if you’re looking for someone who can do more than just “stamp a paper,” you’ll want to work with a CNTDA.

You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone

Trying to get a Power of Attorney signed can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions are high and time is short.

But you don’t need to hunt through Yelp listings or pray your bank still notarizes documents.

Just head to Gotary.com and connect with a mobile notary who’s ready to help, on your schedule, at your location, with experience and professionalism.

Because when it comes to POA documents, what you’re really giving someone is the legal ability to care for you or someone you love.

That deserves more than just a stamp.

It deserves someone you can trust.

Find a qualified notary near you now.