How to Set Up a Power of Attorney

If you want to give another person full control over your account, it's a good idea to review your specific needs with a trusted legal advisor to determine if a power of attorney (POA) is the right choice for you.

View or Update a POALog In Required

What is a POA?

A POA is a legal document that gives a person you choose, known as an attorney-in-fact, the right to act on your behalf. You may consider establishing a POA to prepare for unexpected events that might prevent you from handling your own affairs. Be sure to review all POA-related documents with a trusted legal professional to ensure you understand the implications of granting this authority.

What do I need to know?

When you submit the appropriate Fidelity forms, please make sure they are:

  • Signed, notarized, and dated in front of a notary (for both the owner and the attorney-in-fact)

  • Signed by two witnesses

    Note: Your attorney-in-fact cannot sign as a witness.

What to expect

If you're not an annuity customer, please consider using the online steps because the process will guide you to the correct form and give you a detailed checklist of what you need to provide.

When we've received your forms in good order, you'll receive a revised account profile by mail to your address within five business days. Your attorney-in-fact must wait 30 days after the account is set up before he or she can withdraw more than $10,000 from your account.

Note: $10,000 is the total amount that can be withdrawn over the initial 30-day waiting period, not a daily amount.