Important Documents Needed for Power of Attorney

When a person is granted power of attorney it means that person is empowered with specific abilities in another person's life. Power of attorney can allow the holder to sign legal documents on behalf of the grantor, make financial decisions and medical decisions and buy and sell vehicles. Because of the fact that a power of attorney gives such control to the holder, there are strict rules about how one is obtained. Typically, only one document is required; however, several things must be on the document for it to be valid.

    The Form

        Every state has its own acceptable form of the power of attorney declaration; however, they each have similar requirements before they can become official. Required information provides the state with security that the person being granted power of attorney is in fact who she says she is. It also gives the state resources to trace if a signature or action of a power of attorney is ever called into question.
    Name and Address

        The name and address of the person being granted power of attorney are necessary elements on the power of attorney declaration. Be prepared to show a valid government issued identification and possibly a second form of identification to prove you are the same person being granted power of attorney on the form. Your mailing address is also required, though you are not obligated to notify the state if your address changes after the completion of the power of attorney process. The person granting the power of attorney should also be prepared to provide evidence of his name and mailing address.
    Social Security Number

        The Social Security numbers of both the requester and designated power of attorney will be required on most state forms. The number is used to identify the parties in the event there are others in the nation with the same name and power of attorney rights.
    Signatures

        The person granting power of attorney to another must include a statement as to who is being granted the rights and what specific rights are being transferred through the power of attorney action. For example, if someone is selling a vehicle but will be out of town when it sells, can assign power of attorney to a relative or friend for the express purpose of signing the title to the car.