Can a notary come to the hospital for a power of attorney?

Yes. Ink Mark visits hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and homes in the Richmond area. The principal must be able to communicate with the notary and sign willingly.

Notary questions · Virginia

Does a power of attorney need to be notarized in Virginia?

Q: Does a power of attorney need to be notarized in Virginia?

Virginia law does not require it for the POA to be valid, but a notarized signature is presumed genuine (§ 64.2-1603), banks are protected only when they rely on a notarized POA (§ 64.2-1617), and a POA used for real estate must be notarized to be recorded.

Usually, yes in practice. Virginia law doesn’t require a power of attorney to be notarized to be valid, but a notarized one is far easier to use. Banks are only protected when they rely on a notarized POA, so most insist on it.

What the law says

A Virginia power of attorney must be signed by the person giving the power (the “principal”), or by someone else at their direction and in their presence (§ 64.2-1603).

The same law says that if the principal acknowledges their signature in front of a notary, the signature is presumed to be genuine.

Why banks and agencies ask for a notarized POA

Virginia protects a bank or business that accepts a POA in good faith, but only an acknowledged (notarized) one (§ 64.2-1617). Without the notary, they take on the risk, so many simply say no.

If the POA will be used for real estate (selling or refinancing a home), it has to be notarized so it can be recorded.

What to have ready

The completed POA, not yet signed. The principal signs in front of the notary.
A current photo ID for the principal. No current ID? See your options.
The principal must be able to communicate with the notary and sign willingly.

In a hospital or nursing home?

That’s most of our POA visits. We come to the bedside. Book online, or call if it’s urgent. Here’s how a bedside visit works.

Need a notary in the Richmond area?

We come to hospitals, nursing homes, doctor’s offices and homes. Witnesses available. $10 per notarization plus travel.

Get my price & book →Call 804-465-9950

General information about Virginia law as of November 2026, not legal advice. Ink Mark notarizes signatures; your attorney or the organization that gave you the document decides what it needs.