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Power of attorney template

Power of attorney: A power of attorney is a document that authorises one person (the attorney) to act on behalf of another (the principal) in specified matters.

Last reviewed 6 November 2026 · 5 clauses · General guidance, not legal advice

Upload yours for a review and e-signature, or save it as a team template.

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When to use a power of attorney

  • Authorising someone to sign contracts or bank documents for you
  • Company authority for an employee or agent abroad
  • Property or tax matters while you are unavailable

Power of attorney template: clause-by-clause outline

Sample starting wording for each clause. Replace the text in [brackets] with your details.

  1. Appointment

    [Principal] appoints [Attorney] as its attorney.

  2. Scope of authority

    The Attorney may [sign contracts relating to X / operate bank account Y / deal with tax filings].

  3. Limits

    The Attorney may not [sell property / borrow money / sign above amount] without separate written approval.

  4. Duration

    This power of attorney is effective from [date] until [date] or until revoked in writing.

  5. Ratification

    The Principal will confirm anything the Attorney lawfully does under this power.

What to check before you sign

  • Does local law require a deed, witnesses, notarisation, apostille or registration?
  • Is the scope narrow and specific?
  • Is there an end date?

Signing formalities: Powers of attorney commonly need a deed, witnesses, notarisation or apostille, and are excluded from e-signing in several countries, including India.

How to send a power of attorney for e-signature

  1. Draft or upload it. Use the outline above with your own wording, upload an existing document, or save it as your organisation’s template.
  2. Check it against your playbook. Points outside your positions are flagged, and approval rules route it to Legal when needed.
  3. Send it by email. Signers get a plain-language review and a secure link, sign on any device in the order you set, and can suggest changes as tracked changes.
  4. Keep the signed PDF. Everyone receives it with a certificate of completion, and key dates go to Upcoming with reminders.

Power of attorney template: frequently asked questions

Can a power of attorney be signed electronically?

Often not. Many countries, including India and for deeds in the UK, require wet-ink signatures, witnesses or notarisation.

What is the difference between general and specific powers of attorney?

A general power covers broad matters; a specific (limited) one covers a named task and is safer.

Is an electronically signed power of attorney legally binding?

Often, but not always. Powers of attorney commonly need a deed, witnesses, notarisation or apostille, and are excluded from e-signing in several countries, including India. econtracts.ai shows the rules for the contract’s governing law before you send it.

Can I get a power of attorney I received reviewed?

Yes. Upload it to econtracts.ai and you get a plain-language review: key dates, money and points to check, each quoting the clause it comes from.

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This outline is a starting point for discussion, not legal advice, and it is not a complete contract. Laws differ by country and sector; have a qualified lawyer review contracts that matter.