Power of attorney revocation form: free to fill in and download in Word
Reviewed in October 2026
A power of attorney revocation is a signed document that cancels a power of attorney you gave before. It names the original document and the agent, and says the agent can no longer act for you. You then send copies to the agent and to anyone who relied on the original.
I, [principal full name], of [address] (the "Principal"), being of sound mind, revoke the following power of attorney:
1. Document Revoked
[Type: general / durable / limited / vehicle / health care] power of attorney dated [date], naming [agent full name], of [address], as my agent [and [successor agent name] as successor agent]. [If recorded: recorded on [date] in [county], book [number], page [number] / instrument [number].]
2. Revocation
I revoke that power of attorney in full and all authority granted under it, effective [immediately / on [date]]. [Or, partial: I revoke only the following powers: [list]. All other powers remain in effect.]
3. Return of Documents
I ask the agent to return the original power of attorney and all copies, and to give me an account of any action taken for me.
4. Notice to Third Parties
I will deliver a copy of this revocation to the agent and to the following people and institutions: [banks, brokers, DMV, county recorder, health care providers].
5. New Power of Attorney
[I have not signed a new power of attorney. / I have signed a new power of attorney dated [date] naming [name].]
[NOTARY ACKNOWLEDGMENT, recommended if the original was notarized or recorded: State of [state], County of [county]. Signed and acknowledged before me on [date] by [principal name]. Notary signature and seal.]
Principal
Name: [name]
Signature: ______________
Date: [date]
What the template includes
Principal
Type and date of the power of attorney revoked
Agent and successor agent
Recording details if the original was recorded
Full or partial revocation and effective date
Request to return documents and account for actions
List of people and institutions to notify
Statement about a new power of attorney
Space for a notary acknowledgment
What you fill in
Field
Example
Principal
Helen Ramirez
Original document
Durable power of attorney dated March 2, 2023
Agent revoked
Carlos Ramirez
Effective
Immediately
Notify
First Federal Bank, Vanguard, county recorder
New power of attorney
Dated November 10, 2026, naming Ana Ramirez
How it gets signed
1Download the power of attorney revocation in Word and fill in the fields.
2Print it and read every power once more before you sign.
3Sign it on paper, before a notary or witnesses when your state asks for them.
4Give the original to your agent and keep a copy with your records.
If the original power of attorney was notarized or recorded with the county, have the revocation acknowledged before a notary too. Take the printed revocation to the notary and then to the recorder.
What the law says
A principal with capacity can revoke a power of attorney at any time. The Uniform Power of Attorney Act, adopted in many states, lists revocation among the ways a power of attorney ends.
In Washington, for example, RCW 11.125.100 says a power of attorney ends when the principal revokes it, and an agent's authority ends when the principal revokes that authority.
Third parties who do not know about the revocation may still rely on the old document in good faith. That is why notice to banks and others matters as much as the revocation itself.
Who must receive a copy
1The agent and any successor agent named in the original.
2Every bank, broker and insurer where the agent used the power.
3The DMV, if the power was for a vehicle.
4The county recorder, if the original was recorded for real estate.
5Doctors and hospitals, for a health care power of attorney.
Keep proof of delivery for each copy. Certified mail or a signed receipt leaves a dated record.
Revoke or replace
If you only want a new agent, you can sign a new power of attorney and revoke the old one at the same time.
Some new powers of attorney say they revoke all earlier ones. Still send a revocation to the old agent and the institutions.
Partial revocation is possible. Clause 2 lets you remove some powers and keep the rest.
When a power of attorney ends without revocation
Death of the principal. The executor takes over.
Incapacity, if the power was not durable.
End date or purpose reached, if the document says so.
Divorce or separation from the agent, in many states.
Common mistakes
Not telling the bank. The bank may keep honoring the old power of attorney.
Not getting the original back. Ask the agent to return it, as clause 3 says.
Not recording the revocation. If the original was recorded, record the revocation in the same county.
Step by step to revoke a power of attorney
1Find the original power of attorney and copy its date and agent name into clause 1.
2Decide whether to revoke all powers or only some, and fill in clause 2.
3Sign the revocation, and add a notary acknowledgment if the original had one.
4Send a copy of the signed revocation to the agent and to each institution in clause 4.
5Record it with the county if the original was recorded.
6Sign a new power of attorney if you still need someone to help you.
Call each bank after sending the revocation. Ask them to note it on your account and confirm by email.
Keep the confirmations with the signed revocation. If the old agent tries to act, you have proof the institution was told.
Revoke calmly and in writing, even after a family argument. A clear document protects you and the agent from later claims about who was allowed to do what.
If you suspect the agent misused your money, talk to your bank and a lawyer at once. Adult protective services can help when the principal is elderly or vulnerable.
Before you sign
Read every clause of the power of attorney revocation with the other party before anyone signs. Change what does not fit your deal.
