Signing checklist for Missouri

The signing steps in Missouri law, step by step. Pick your documents to see them.

Checked against official sources: October 31, 2026.

Short answer

This checklist lists the signing rules in Missouri law. It does not check whether your document is valid.

Sign it Subscribed (signed) and dated by you.
Law: RSMo § 404.705
Notary or witnesses For a power of attorney to be durable it must be called a 'Durable Power of Attorney', include a statement in substance like the one in the law that the attorney in fact's authority does not end if you become disabled or incapacitated, and be signed, dated and acknowledged (notarized) the way a real estate deed is. It does not have to be recorded to be valid, except where recording is needed for real estate transactions.
Law: RSMo § 404.705
The agent signs too No signed acceptance is required. An attorney in fact has no duty to act unless they expressly agreed in writing to act for you.
Law: RSMo § 404.705
If it may be used for real estate A durable power of attorney does not have to be recorded to be valid, except where recording is required for real estate transactions under RSMo 442.360 and 442.370.

Choose your form Declaration. You do not have to use it. Official text
Law: RSMo § 459.015.3
Sign it A durable power of attorney for health care must meet the same rules as a financial durable power of attorney: titled 'Durable Power of Attorney', with the durability statement, signed and dated by you.
Law: RSMo §§ 404.705, 404.810, 459.015
Notary or witnesses Sign and date the durable power of attorney for health care and have it acknowledged before a notary. A living will declaration has a different rule: if it is not entirely in your handwriting, sign it in front of two adult witnesses; a notary is not required for the declaration.
Law: RSMo §§ 404.705, 404.810, 459.015
If you live in a nursing facility Your attending physician or their employee, or an owner, operator or employee of a health care facility where you live, cannot be your attorney in fact unless related to you within the second degree or a member of the same religious community.
Law: RSMo §§ 404.705, 404.810, 459.015

Give copies to the right people Keep the signed documents in a safe place and give copies to your health care proxy and your doctors. Some states have registries that store an advance directive for doctors and your proxy.

This checklist lists the signing rules in Missouri law. It does not check whether your document is valid.