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A power of attorney does not by itself replace the lender’s borrower-identification requirements. It addresses authority to act; the lender still needs the identity and other verification required for the transaction.
The separate request in the file
On a file involving a power of attorney, I asked about missing identity documents. The lender separately pursued identity and Social Security verification. The existence of a person authorized to sign did not answer those documentation questions.
That distinction is useful for families preparing a file. Collecting the power of attorney is one task, not the entire document plan.
Coordinate three reviews
Ask the lender what it needs to identify the borrower and evaluate the proposed use of the power of attorney. Ask title what it needs to review signing authority for the property transaction. Confirm the signing and identification requirements with the notary as well.
HUD’s handbook contains FHA requirements, including provisions relevant to powers of attorney. The rules for your program and the lender’s acceptance of your document need individual review. A document accepted for another purpose is not automatically accepted for every mortgage transaction.
Ask about missing documents early
If an identification document is unavailable, tell the lender precisely what is missing and ask what acceptable alternatives or verification steps it can use. Avoid assuming that one family member’s identification substitutes for another person’s records.
Use the secure document process for identification materials. Do not place identity numbers or document images in a general contact-form message.
I would make a single checklist showing borrower verification, authority review and signing arrangements, with the responsible person beside each item. That gives the family a practical way to prepare without confusing legal authority with proof of identity or a completed underwriting decision.
Sources and further reading
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Published September 13, 2026. Adapted from an origination discussion. Identifying details are omitted. Unconfirmed outcomes are not presented as completed loans. Program and lender requirements need an individual review. Nick Cunningham, Loan Officer, NMLS #907393. Mortgage services through Golden Bay Mortgage Group.
