Do you need to record a Power of Attorney in California?

Full question:

Is it a requirement to record a Power of Attorney within California? If so, whom do I record it with?

Answer:

In California, you do not need to record a power of attorney unless it is related to a real estate transaction. If the power of attorney will be used to sign documents affecting real property—like a deed, mortgage, or deed of trust—it should be recorded in the land records of the county where the property is located.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

The person who creates the power of attorney, known as the principal, typically keeps the original document. However, it's a good idea to provide copies to the agent and any institutions that may require it, such as banks or healthcare providers.