Washington power of attorney form: free to fill in and download in Word
Reviewed in October 2026
A Washington power of attorney lets you name an agent to handle your finances and property. Under RCW 11.125.050 you sign and date it, and the signature must be acknowledged before a notary or attested by two qualified witnesses. This template is a durable financial power of attorney.
I, [principal full name], of [address], Washington (the "Principal"), appoint [agent full name], of [address], phone [phone] (the "Agent"), as my attorney-in-fact. If the Agent cannot or will not act, I appoint [successor agent name and contact] as successor Agent.
1. Powers
The Agent may act for me in the following matters [initial each one granted]: (a) banking and financial accounts; (b) real property; (c) tangible personal property, including vehicles; (d) stocks, bonds and investments; (e) insurance and annuities; (f) retirement plans; (g) taxes; (h) government benefits; (i) claims and litigation; (j) operation of a business; (k) [other].
2. Special Powers
The Agent may [not] do the following only if initialed here: make gifts; change beneficiary designations; create or change trusts; [other acts that require express grant under Washington law].
3. Effective Date and Durability
This power of attorney is effective [immediately / upon my incapacity as determined by [method]]. It is durable and is not affected by my later incapacity.
4. Compensation
The Agent is entitled to reimbursement of reasonable expenses [and reasonable compensation / no compensation].
5. Nomination of Guardian
If a guardian of my estate is needed, I nominate [name].
6. Termination
This power of attorney ends on my death, on my written revocation, or as stated here: [conditions].
[OPTION A, NOTARY: State of Washington, County of [county]. Signed and acknowledged before me on [date] by [principal name]. Notary signature, seal and commission expiration.]
Principal
Name: [name]
Signature: ______________
Date: [date]
OPTION B, TWO WITNESSES
Name: We signed in the presence of the Principal and at the Principal's request. We are not home care providers or care providers at a facility where the Principal lives, and we are not related to the Principal or the Agent by blood, marriage or state registered domestic partnership. Witness 1
name, signature, date: ______________
What the template includes
Principal, agent and successor agent
Financial powers you grant one by one
Special powers like gifts and beneficiary changes
Effective now or on incapacity
Durable language
Agent compensation and expenses
Nomination of a guardian
Termination
Notary acknowledgment option
Two-witness option with the statutory qualifications
What you fill in
Field
Example
Principal
Margaret Ellis, Spokane, WA
Agent
Daniel Ellis, son
Successor agent
Laura Ellis, daughter
Powers
Banking, real property, vehicles, taxes, benefits
Special powers
None
Effective
Immediately
Compensation
Expenses only
Execution
Two qualified witnesses
How it gets signed
1Download the Washington power of attorney 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.
Washington adds a step. Under RCW 11.125.050 the signature must be acknowledged before a notary or attested by two qualified witnesses. Witnesses must sign in your presence and at your request.
With witnesses, print it and have them sign while they are with you. With a notary, sign the printed form before the notary.
What the law says
RCW 11.125.050 says a Washington power of attorney must be signed and dated by the principal. The signature must be acknowledged before a notary, or attested by two or more competent witnesses who sign in the principal's presence.
The witnesses cannot be home care providers for the principal, care providers at a facility where the principal lives, or relatives of the principal or the agent by blood, marriage or domestic partnership.
RCW 11.125.100 lists when a power of attorney ends, such as the principal's death or revocation. An agent's authority also ends when a divorce or legal separation from the principal is filed, unless the document says otherwise.
Financial and health care powers are separate
This template covers money and property. Health care decisions go in a separate durable power of attorney for health care.
Many people sign both at the same time and name the same agent. Keep them as separate documents.
Choosing an agent
Pick someone you trust with your money and who is organized. The agent must keep your money separate and keep records.
Name a successor agent. If your first choice cannot act, the successor steps in without a new document.
Talk with the agent before you sign. Tell them where your accounts, bills and documents are.
Now or upon incapacity
An immediate power lets the agent act right away. It is easier to use because nobody has to prove incapacity.
A springing power starts only when you become incapacitated. Write how incapacity is decided, such as a letter from your doctor.
Common mistakes
Related witnesses. A cousin or spouse of the agent cannot witness. Use unrelated adults.
No successor agent. If the only agent dies, the power of attorney may stop working.
Not recording for real estate. If the agent will sign deeds, the county may need the power of attorney recorded.
Waiting too long. You must have capacity when you sign. Sign while you are healthy.
How to sign it with two witnesses
1Choose two adults who meet the rules in RCW 11.125.050.
2Fill in the document, print it and bring it to the signing.
3Sit together. The principal signs first, then each witness signs while with the principal.
4Each witness signs while with the principal and adds the date.
Signing at the same table, on the same day, supports the statement that the witnesses signed in the principal's presence.
Give the agent a copy and keep the original file. Banks will ask to see it the first time the agent acts.
Before you sign
Read every clause of the Washington power of attorney with the other party before anyone signs. Change what does not fit your deal.
