How to Revoke a Power of Attorney in Pennsylvania

A Pennsylvania power of attorney can be revoked at any time, as long as the principal still has capacity. But "revocation" only works when it's done in writing, delivered to the right people, and — for real property — recorded.

Step 1: Sign a written revocation

Pennsylvania law (20 Pa.C.S. § 5605) requires the revocation to be in writing and signed by the principal. A verbal revocation is not enforceable against third parties. The revocation should:

• Identify the original POA by date
• Name the agent being removed
• Be signed and notarized

Step 2: Deliver actual notice to the agent

Until the agent receives actual notice of revocation, they can still act in good faith and bind you. Send the revocation by a method that creates proof of delivery: certified mail with return receipt, or hand delivery with a signed acknowledgment.

Step 3: Notify every institution that has a copy

Banks, brokerages, insurance companies, and any other third party that has accepted the POA must receive the revocation directly. They are entitled to rely on the POA until they are notified otherwise.

Step 4: Record the revocation (real estate)

If the POA was ever used to deal with Pennsylvania real estate, record the revocation in every county where the agent could have signed a deed. Otherwise a future title search may still show the agent as authorized.

Step 5: Sign a new POA

A revocation alone leaves you without an agent. Replace the document the same day with a new POA naming a different agent. For the framework, see Pennsylvania power of attorney 2025.

Automatic revocation

Some events revoke a POA by operation of law: the principal's death, a divorce (revokes designations of the former spouse as agent), or a court appointment of a guardian.