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General power of attorney (GPA) format

A document in which you give another person wide powers to act for you in your affairs, such as banking, taxes, property management and dealing with offices.

What it is for

Use it when you will be away, for example abroad or unwell, and trust a person to handle your regular affairs. It lets another person act for you. It does not transfer the ownership of your property.

Who signs

The person giving the power (principal) signs. The attorney signs to accept. Two witnesses also sign. It is often notarised.

Licences that need this format

Attach these

  • ID and address proof and photo of the person giving the power
  • ID and address proof and photo of the attorney
  • Two witnesses with ID proof

Stamp duty and registration

A power of attorney is usually made on stamp paper of the value your state requires. Some states need a power of attorney about immovable property to be registered, and one made outside India has extra steps. Check with the Sub-Registrar office or a lawyer. A power of attorney does not make the other person the owner of your property.

Stamp duty depends on your state and on the document. We do not show an amount here, because it changes and differs by state. Check it on the official portal of your state's registration department. Portals we found on government sites (checked 21 Oct 2026):

For any other state, check stamp duty with your state's registration department.

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Where will you sign this?
The state and city change the laws and offices named in your document and in How to execute.
Person giving the power (principal)
Person receiving the power (attorney)
Witnesses (2 or more)
Printing

Ready-to-use template based on current law. For property sale, partnership or high-value agreements, get it checked by an advocate before signing.

Last reviewed: 30 Oct 2026

Preview. Blanks you have not filled in are highlighted in yellow on screen, and print as plain lines.

GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY

KNOW ALL PEOPLE BY THESE PRESENTS that I, ________, hereinafter called the "Principal", do hereby appoint ________, hereinafter called the "Attorney", as my true and lawful attorney, to act for me and in my name in the matters given below.

I authorise my Attorney to do the following:

1. To manage, look after and take care of my movable and immovable property, to collect rent and dues, and to pay taxes, bills and charges for them.

2. To open, operate and close bank accounts in my name, to deposit and withdraw money, to sign and give cheques and instructions, and to deal with the bank for any purpose.

3. To file and sign my income tax and other tax returns and papers, to receive refunds, and to appear before tax and other government offices.

4. To sign, submit and receive applications, documents and replies before any government office, municipal body, electricity, water or telephone company, or other authority on my behalf.

5. To appear before any Sub-Registrar or other officer for registration of a document that I have signed or agreed to sign.

6. To engage lawyers, to sign and file papers in any court or tribunal, and to take steps in any case to which I am a party.

7. To receive money, letters, parcels and papers sent to me, and to give receipts for them.

8. To appoint another person to do any of these acts only with my written consent.

This power is ________. I may cancel it earlier by giving written notice to my Attorney. It ends on my death.

This power does not give my Attorney any ownership of my property. I confirm that I will accept all lawful acts done by my Attorney under this power as if I had done them myself.

This power of attorney is made on stamp paper of the value that the stamp law of the state where it is signed requires, and it will be registered where the law requires. The courts at ________ will have jurisdiction over any dispute about it.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF I have signed this General Power of Attorney at ________ on ________.

Principal
Signature: ______________________
Name: ________

Accepted by the Attorney
Signature: ______________________
Name: ________

Witnesses:

How to execute this document

  • Stamp paper: The value depends on your state and on the document. See the stamp duty calculators for official rates. Stamp duty calculators
  • Notarisation: Often done for the record, but it does not replace registration where the law requires registration.
  • Registration: Depends on your state and on what the power covers. A power over property is registered in many states. Check your state.
  • Who signs: The person giving the power (principal) signs. The attorney signs to accept. Two witnesses also sign. It is often notarised.
  • Witnesses: 2 adults who see you sign. Each writes name, address and signature.
  • ID and photos: Carry original ID and a recent photo of every person who signs. Never write an Aadhaar number on the document.
  • Where to submit: Keep it with the parties. Take it to the Sub-Registrar office if it must be registered.

Common mistakes

  • Signing before the stamp paper is bought or before the registration slot.
  • Names or spellings that do not match the ID.
  • Leaving any blank line or a missing witness address.
  • Not registering a document that the law says must be registered.

Common questions

What is the difference between a general and a special power of attorney?
A general power of attorney gives wide powers for many matters. A special power of attorney gives power for one named task, such as selling one flat or attending one office.
Does a power of attorney make the attorney the owner?
No. It only lets the attorney act for you. Ownership of property can be transferred only by the proper deed, such as a registered sale deed or gift deed.
When does a power of attorney end?
When the principal cancels it in writing, when the stated period ends, or when the principal dies. Tell the banks and offices when you cancel it.

Aksar pooche jaane wale sawaal

Yahi jaankari, Hinglish mein.

General power of attorney kya hoti hai?
Isme aap kisi bharosemand vyakti ko apne kaam, jaise bank, tax, sampatti ki dekhbhaal aur offices ke kaam, karne ka adhikar dete hain. Isse uski ownership nahi badalti.
GPA aur SPA mein kya fark hai?
General power of attorney mein kai kaamon ke liye adhikar hote hain, jabki special power of attorney sirf ek tay kaam ke liye hoti hai, jaise ek flat bechna ya ek office mein jana.