The holiday season is almost here, and for a lot of Las Vegas families that means time away: a few weeks visiting relatives back east, a long cruise, or an extended winter trip. Before you lock up the house, it’s worth asking a simple question: if something needs a signature while you’re gone, who can sign it?
That’s where a power of attorney often comes in. I’m John Yurasits, a Nevada notary and Nevada Certified Document Preparer here in southwest Las Vegas, and every year around this time I see the same thing: people trying to get a power of attorney signed and notarized in the last few days before a flight. This post walks you through the basics so you can get it done calmly, well before your trip.
What a Power of Attorney Does
A power of attorney (often shortened to POA) is a document in which one person, the “principal,” gives another person, the “agent,” authority to act on their behalf. In Nevada, powers of attorney are governed by Chapter 162A of the Nevada Revised Statutes.
People use them for many different reasons, and the right kind of document depends on your own situation. That’s a decision for you to make, ideally with an attorney if you have questions about which document fits your needs. My role is to prepare the document according to your instructions and to notarize signatures properly.
Financial vs. health care powers of attorney
Nevada law treats these two types a little differently:
- Financial powers of attorney. Under NRS 162A.220, a power of attorney must be signed by the principal, and the signature is presumed to be genuine when the principal acknowledges it before a notary public. Nevada’s statutory form for a financial power of attorney (NRS 162A.620) states plainly that it will not be valid unless it is acknowledged before a notary public.
- Health care powers of attorney. Under NRS 162A.790, the principal’s signature must be either acknowledged before a notary public or witnessed by two adult witnesses. Certain restrictions apply to who may serve as a witness.
A couple of other points from the statute are worth knowing. A Nevada power of attorney is durable, meaning it continues if the principal becomes incapacitated, unless the document expressly says otherwise (NRS 162A.210). And if a power of attorney includes authority to convey real property, it must be recorded like other real property conveyances (NRS 162A.480).
Why Timing Matters Before a Holiday Trip
Here’s the practical part. A power of attorney only helps if it’s signed, notarized, and in your agent’s hands before you need it. If you wait until you’re already traveling, you’ll be looking for a notary in an unfamiliar city or trying to coordinate signatures across time zones.
My suggestion: plan to have your document prepared and notarized at least a week or two before you leave. That leaves time for your agent to get a copy and for you to make sure everyone who might need to see it can.
Three Ways to Get It Notarized
1. Mobile notary in Las Vegas
As a mobile notary in Las Vegas, I come to you, whether that’s your home, office, or a care facility. This is especially helpful for older family members who’d rather not travel, or for busy households trying to pack for a trip. I’m based near Tropicana and Fort Apache in 89148, and I serve the greater Las Vegas area by appointment.
2. Remote online notarization (RON)
If you’re already out of town, or can’t meet in person, remote online notarization may be an option. With RON, you appear before me by live audio-video session, and the session is recorded. I perform RON through BlueNotary.
One important office policy: every signature must be applied live during the recorded RON session. If a document was signed electronically before the session, I won’t notarize it, even for an acknowledgment. Please wait to sign until we’re together on the call.
Keep in mind that some institutions have their own preferences about how a power of attorney is notarized, so it’s a good idea to check with the bank, title company, or other party that will be relying on the document.
3. Document preparation plus notarization in one appointment
As a Nevada Certified Document Preparer, I can prepare a power of attorney based on the information and choices you give me, and then notarize it at the same appointment. That saves you a second trip and a lot of back-and-forth.
What to Bring to Your Appointment
To keep things moving, please have the following ready:
- A valid photo ID with a signature. Nevada law (NRS 240.1655) allows a notary to identify you through an identifying document that contains both your signature and your photograph. A current driver’s license, state ID card, or passport usually works.
- The complete, unsigned document, if you already have one. Nevada notaries may not notarize a document that contains only a signature or a partially completed form (NRS 240.075), so please make sure every blank is filled in or properly marked.
- The names and contact details for your agent and any alternates, if you’re having me prepare the document.
- Any witnesses you need, if your document calls for them.
And please don’t sign ahead of time. For an in-person notarization, Nevada law requires you to be in the notary’s presence (NRS 240.155), and I’ll watch you sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my agent sign the power of attorney for me?
No. The principal is the person who signs the power of attorney. Nevada law does allow another individual to sign for the principal, but only in the principal’s conscious presence and at the principal’s direction (NRS 162A.220).
Can you tell me which type of power of attorney I need?
I’m not able to advise you on which legal document to use or what it should say. If you’re unsure, please speak with a Nevada attorney. Once you know what you want, I’m happy to prepare it at your direction and notarize it.
What if I’m out of state when I realize I need one?
Remote online notarization may help, as long as the party receiving the document will accept it. Book a RON appointment and we can connect by video.
Do you take walk-ins?
No. I work by appointment only, which lets me give each signing my full attention.
Book Your Appointment Before the Holiday Rush
I’ve been a notary since 1995, first in Pennsylvania and now in Nevada, and I’ve been NNA-certified since 2010. Yuri Notary is BBB A+ rated, and I hold Nevada notary commission #16-3233-1. Whether you need a mobile notary in Las Vegas, remote online notarization, or document preparation, I’d be glad to help you check this off your list before you travel.
Appointments only. Contact Yuri Notary today to schedule a time that works for you.
Disclaimer: John Yurasits is a Nevada notary public and Nevada Certified Document Preparer, not an attorney, and cannot give legal advice. This article provides general information only and is not legal advice.
I AM NOT AN ATTORNEY IN THE STATE OF NEVADA. I AM NOT AUTHORIZED TO GIVE LEGAL ADVICE OR LEGAL REPRESENTATION. I MAY NOT ACCEPT FEES FOR GIVING LEGAL ADVICE OR LEGAL REPRESENTATION.