An Arizona power of attorney is a document that allows an individual (principal) to appoint an agent as legal authority to manage their property, finances, or medical affairs.
The “principal” is the person granting the powers, and the “agent” is the person acting on the principal’s behalf. For your document to be legally binding, it must comply with Arizona state laws.
Laws & Requirements
Statute: Arizona Revised Statutes §14-5501.
Signing Requirements: The power of attorney form must be signed by the principal and a witness in the presence of a notary public. The agent’s spouse or child or the agent themself cannot serve as the witness. If the document involves a real estate transfer, it must be recorded at the county recorder’s office for the public record in accordance with A.R.S. §33-411.01.
Arizona Power of Attorney – By Type
General (Financial) Power of Attorney
Grants an agent the power to deal with your property, business, or financial affairs.
Signing Requirements: Notary public and one witness.
Medical Power of Attorney
Sets out how you want decisions about your medical care to be made if you are unable to make the decisions yourself.
Signing Requirements: Notary public or one witness (A.R.S. § 36-3221).
Durable Power of Attorney
Allows an agent to act on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
Signing Requirements: Notary public and one witness.
Vehicle Power of Attorney (Form 48-1001)
You can authorize another person or entity to represent you legally in matters relating to your vehicles, including mobile homes and watercraft.
Signing Requirements: Notary public or a MVD agent.
Tax Power of Attorney (Form 285-I)
Authorizes an agent to represent you in tax-related issues, including filing taxes or accessing information.
Signing Requirements: Taxpayer and appointee.
Minor (Child) Power of Attorney
A parent can nominate an agent to make decisions relating to the child’s welfare, without the power to consent to marriage or adoption of the minor.
Signing Requirements: Notary public and one witness.
Real Estate Power of Attorney
Appoints an agent, or “attorney-in-fact,” to handle the principal's real estate transactions.
Signing Requirements: Notary public and one witness.
