A Minnesota power of attorney is a legal document authorizing a person (the “agent”) to handle certain affairs on behalf of another person (the “principal”). The agent has the power to make decisions regarding the principal’s health care, finances, or other personal matters.
Laws & Requirements
Statute: Chapter 523 of the Minnesota Statutes.
Signing Requirements: For a power of attorney document to be valid in Minnesota, it must be acknowledged by a notary public (§ 523.01).
Minnesota Power of Attorney – By Type
General (Financial) Power of Attorney
Gives an agent broad powers to handle your day-to-day financial matters.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Advance Directive
Outlines health care instructions and assigns an agent to make health care decisions for you.
Signing Requirements: Two witnesses or a notary public (§ 145C.03).
Medical Power of Attorney
Grants powers relating to health care and end-of-life decisions (such as whether or not to remove life support).
Signing Requirements: Two witnesses or a notary public (§ 145C.16).
Durable (Statutory) Power of Attorney
Remains valid even if a principal becomes incompetent or incapacitated.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Limited (Special) Power of Attorney
Transfers a narrow set of powers to the agent, typically for a specific period of time.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Springing Power of Attorney
The form "springs" into effect in a certain situation, and ends at a time you specify.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Tax Power of Attorney (Form REV184i)
Allows taxpayers to appoint a representative to act on their behalf before the Minnesota Department of Revenue.
Signing Requirements: Taxpayer.
Vehicle Power of Attorney
Allows vehicle owners to grant authorization to others to handle matters related to their vehicle with the Driver and Vehicle Services Division.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Real Estate Power of Attorney
Appoint a trusted agent to manage real estate transactions like buying, selling, and leasing.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Minor (Child) Power of Attorney
Authorize a temporary guardian for your child to make decisions on education and health when you're unavailable, valid for up to one year.
Signing Requirements: Notary public.
Revocation of Power of Attorney
Use to revoke a previous power of attorney agreement, allowing the principal to end the agent’s authority.
Signing Requirements: A notary public’s acknowledgment is required for signatures made on behalf of the principal or by mark.
