Can a Michigan power of attorney be notarized online?

Michigan execution basics

A signature, acknowledgment, and witnesses are different things.

For powers of attorney created on or after July 1, 2024, Michigan’s Uniform Power of Attorney Act sets execution rules. A power must be signed by the principal or, in the principal’s conscious presence, by another individual whom the principal directs to sign.

When the principal signs, the statute provides alternative paths for durability: acknowledgment before a notary or other authorized individual, or signing in the presence of two qualified witnesses who also sign. If another individual signs at the principal’s direction, two qualified witnesses are required for durability regardless of acknowledgment. The statute also says an acknowledged principal’s signature is presumed genuine.

Document type matters

“Power of attorney” can describe different documents.

Michigan’s Uniform Power of Attorney Act does not cover every document that people call a power of attorney. Its exclusions include patient advocate designations, certain governmental forms, and some delegations involving a minor child or an entity’s voting or management rights.

A Michigan patient advocate designation—sometimes informally called a medical or health-care power of attorney—is governed by a different statute. That law requires execution in the presence of and signatures by two eligible witnesses. A routine notarial acknowledgment should not be treated as a substitute for those statutory witness requirements.

Remote acknowledgment

Online still means a live appearance.

Michigan permits a qualified notary to use a state-approved remote electronic notarization platform. Lakebound uses BlueNotary, and Kayse remains physically located in Michigan throughout the notarial act. The principal appears by live two-way audio and video and completes the required identity process.

For an acknowledgment, the notary identifies the principal and takes the principal’s acknowledgment that the signature on the record is theirs. Remote eligibility can still be limited by signer location, document law, witness needs, platform support, original-paper or recording requirements, and recipient acceptance.

Appointment preparation

Five details to settle first.

1. 01

   Use the final power of attorney

   Lakebound does not supply, draft, complete, or revise the document. Bring the complete record and any attachments.

2. 02

   Confirm the requested notarial act

   The document, preparer, or recipient should identify the certificate required. Lakebound cannot select the act for the principal.

3. 03

   Confirm every required witness

   Determine the number and qualifications of witnesses, where they may be located, and whether remote participation is permitted and acceptable.

4. 04

   Prepare identification and technology

   Have supported government-issued photo identification, a camera, microphone, stable internet, and a quiet place for the live identity and acknowledgment process.

5. 05

   Ask the intended recipient

   Confirm whether the bank, title company, government office, attorney, or other recipient accepts remote notarization and an electronically signed record.

For a fuller technology and document-preparation list, use the online notary appointment checklist.

Use after notarization

Notarization does not guarantee that a power will be accepted.

The organization receiving the power may have lawful reasons to request information or decline it under applicable rules. Real-estate recording, financial-institution procedures, government forms, powers governed by another jurisdiction, and transactions requiring an original paper record may involve requirements beyond the notarial act.

Ask the intended recipient before scheduling. If the power will be recorded or used in a high-stakes financial, real-estate, estate-planning, or health-care matter, obtain professional guidance about form, execution, and delivery.