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Power of Attorney New York Statutory Short Form (General Obligations Law Section 5-1513)
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Power of Attorney New York Statutory Short Form in short
The New York Statutory Short Form Power of Attorney lets an adult appoint an agent to handle financial matters. Its wording is set by Section 5-1513 of the General Obligations Law. A form that substantially conforms to it is lawful when signed as Section 5-1501B requires.
| Issued by | New York State Legislature (General Obligations Law, Article 5, Title 15) |
|---|---|
| Current version | Statute text, most recent revision on nysenate.gov dated 2021-06-18 (form in effect from June 13, 2021) (checked 2026-10-25) |
| Who fills it in | A principal, meaning an individual 18 or older acting for themselves, who executes the power of attorney. |
| Who receives it | Not filed with the state. Banks and other third parties receive it when the agent acts. If recorded with real property records, any revocation must also be recorded there. |
| Where to send it | Not sent to any agency. |
| Deadline | No deadline. The principal must have capacity when signing. |
| Official links | Official page · Official PDF · Official instructions |
What changed
A new form took effect on June 13, 2021. It allows substantial conformity instead of exact wording, and the gift limit under personal and family maintenance is $5,000 per calendar year. Powers of attorney validly signed under earlier law remain valid (Section 5-1501B(5)).
How to fill out Power of Attorney New York Statutory Short Form, line by line
| (a) | Caution to the Principal Required notice. The wording must substantially conform to the statute. |
| (b) | Designation of agent(s) Names and addresses of you and your agent or agents. If you name more than one and do not initial SEPARATELY, they must act together. |
| (c) | Successor agent(s) Optional. Successors act only if an agent is unable or unwilling to serve. |
| (d) and (e) | Durability and earlier powers of attorney The form is not affected by later incapacity and does not revoke earlier powers of attorney unless you say otherwise under Modifications. |
| (f) | Grant of authority Initial each subject (A) to (O) you grant, or list the letters at (P) and initial (P). |
| (g) | Certain gift transactions Optional. Gifts over $5,000 a year, gifts to the agent and changes to interests in property must be granted expressly in Modifications. |
| (h) | Modifications Optional. Limits, extra powers, gift authority and agent compensation. |
| (i) | Monitor(s) Optional. A monitor can ask the agent for a copy of the form and a record of transactions. |
| (m) and (n) | Principal signature, acknowledgment and two witnesses The principal signs and dates before a notary, with two witnesses who are not agents or gift recipients. The notary may be one of the witnesses. |
| (p) and (q) | Agent and successor agent signatures Each agent signs with a notary acknowledgment. They do not need to sign at the same time as the principal. |
Common mistakes to avoid
- Using fewer than two witnesses, or a witness who is named as an agent or a permitted gift recipient.
- Agent acting before signing the form with a notary acknowledgment. The form says the agent can act only after doing so.
- Naming two agents without initialing SEPARATELY and expecting either one to act alone.
- Writing gift or self-gift authority outside the Modifications section.
- Printing the form smaller than 12 point type. Section 5-1501B requires legible type no less than 12 point.
- Assuming a new form revokes an old one. It does not unless stated under Modifications.
Questions about Power of Attorney New York Statutory Short Form
Does a New York power of attorney need witnesses and a notary?
Yes. The principal's signature must be acknowledged as for a real property deed and witnessed by two people who are not agents or gift recipients. The notary may also be one of the two witnesses.
When does it take effect?
On the date the agent's signature is acknowledged. If agents must act together, when all have signed with acknowledgment. If the form names a later date or contingency, it takes effect when that occurs and the agent has signed.
Is it durable?
Yes. The form says it is not affected by later incapacity unless you state otherwise under Modifications.
How do I revoke it?
Deliver a revocation to the agent in person, or send a signed and dated revocation by mail, courier, electronic transmission or fax to the agent's last known address. The form also says to notify third parties such as banks. If the power was recorded, record the revocation too.
Can my agent make health care decisions?
No. The form says to use a Health Care Proxy for that.
Is there an official New York PDF?
No state agency PDF of the 2021 form was found. The form text is in General Obligations Law Section 5-1513 on the State Senate website. Rules vary by situation. Check the official statute and guidance linked on this page before you sign.
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Checked against the official sources on 2026-10-25. PDF Editor Hub is not affiliated with the New York State Legislature or any government agency. This page is general information, not legal or tax advice.