What is the difference between a general and a special power of attorney?

A general power of attorney (GPA) authorises the agent to do a broad range of acts on the principal's behalf, while a special (or specific) power of attorney authorises the agent to do only a particular act or a defined set of acts, such as selling one property or attending one court matter.

Does a power of attorney need to be registered and stamped?

A PoA must be executed on stamp paper of the value prescribed by the state's stamp law and attested. Registration is required in certain cases — notably a PoA authorising the sale of immovable property — and is advisable for property-related PoAs. Requirements vary by state.

Power of Attorney Format (General & Special)

Q: What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney (PoA) is a legal document by which one person (the principal or donor) authorises another (the agent or attorney) to act on their behalf in specified or general matters, such as managing property, operating bank accounts, or representing them in dealings.

Q: Can a power of attorney be revoked?

Yes. A PoA can generally be revoked by the principal at any time by a deed of revocation, unless it is a power coupled with an interest. Notice of revocation should be given to the agent and to third parties who may deal with the agent.

A power of attorney lets someone act for you — but the scope you grant matters, and property PoAs often need registration. Below is the difference between general and special PoA, the stamp and registration rules, how to revoke, and a ready template.

What is a power of attorney?

A power of attorney (PoA) is a document by which a principal (donor) authorises an agent (attorney) to act on their behalf — managing property, operating bank accounts, signing documents, or representing them in dealings.

General vs. special power of attorney

General PoA (GPA): authorises a broad range of acts on the principal's behalf.
Special/Specific PoA: authorises only a particular act or defined set of acts — for example, selling one property or attending one court matter.

Stamp, registration & revocation

Stamp: execute on stamp paper of the value prescribed by your state's stamp law, and get it attested/notarised.
Registration: required in certain cases (notably a PoA authorising sale of immovable property) and advisable for property PoAs; rules vary by state.
Revocation: the principal can generally revoke by a deed of revocation (unless it is coupled with an interest), giving notice to the agent and third parties.

Power of attorney template

POWER OF ATTORNEY KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS that I, ____________________, aged ___, son/daughter/wife of ____________________, resident of ____________________ (hereinafter the "Principal"), do hereby appoint ____________________, aged ___, resident of ____________________ (hereinafter the "Attorney"), to act as my lawful attorney and in my name and on my behalf to do the following acts: 1. To ____________________ [e.g., manage, let, or sell the property at ...]. 2. To sign, execute, and present documents and receive consideration. 3. To represent me before authorities, banks, and courts in connection therewith. 4. To do all lawful acts necessary to give effect to the above. [For a SPECIAL PoA, limit the powers to the single act above.] I hereby ratify and confirm all acts lawfully done by my Attorney under this deed. IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have signed this deed on this ____ day of ________, 20____. Principal: __________________ Attorney (accepting): __________________ Witness 1: __________________ Witness 2: __________________

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Frequently asked questions

What is a power of attorney?

A document by which a principal authorises an agent to act on their behalf in specified or general matters.

What is the difference between a general and a special PoA?

A general PoA authorises a broad range of acts; a special PoA authorises only a particular act or defined set of acts.

Does a PoA need to be registered and stamped?

It must be on stamp paper and attested; registration is required in certain cases (e.g. sale of immovable property) and advisable for property PoAs. Rules vary by state.

Can a power of attorney be revoked?

Yes, generally by a deed of revocation (unless coupled with an interest), with notice to the agent and third parties.

Power of Attorney Format (General & Special)

What is a power of attorney?

General vs. special power of attorney

Stamp, registration & revocation

Power of attorney template

Draft a power of attorney in minutes

Frequently asked questions

Related formats