D.C. Code § 21-2601.05: Execution of power of attorney.

(a)

A power of attorney shall be signed by the principal or in the principal's conscious presence by another individual directed by the principal to sign the principal's name on the power of attorney. A signature on a power of attorney is presumed to be genuine if the principal acknowledges the signature before a notary public or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgments.

(b)

A power of attorney executed under this chapter is not valid unless it is acknowledged before a notary public or other individual authorized by law to take acknowledgment.