Notarising a power of attorney: the complete guide
Everything you need to know about notarising a power of attorney for international use, from when it is required to how the process works step by step.
4 min read · 19 May 2026
Notarising a power of attorney: the complete guide
A power of attorney (POA) is one of the most powerful legal instruments you can sign. It transfers authority over your financial, legal, or property matters to another person, and that authority often crosses borders. When a POA is destined for use abroad, notarisation is rarely optional. This guide walks you through what notarisation involves, when you need it, and how remote online notarisation (RON) makes the process radically faster.
What is a power of attorney?
A POA is a written authorisation that lets a chosen person (the attorney) act on behalf of someone else (the donor). It can be general, granting broad powers, or specific, limited to a single transaction such as selling a property or representing the donor in a court proceeding.
POAs come in several forms: general POAs for short-term use, long-term or enduring POAs that may need to be registered with a relevant public authority, and one-off POAs drafted for a specific international transaction. The notarisation requirements differ significantly depending on which type you sign and where you intend to use it.
When does a POA require notarisation?
Notarisation is required whenever the receiving authority needs independent verification of your identity, your signature, and your legal capacity at the moment of signing. The table below summarises the most common scenarios.
| Use case | Notarisation needed | Apostille needed |
|---|---|---|
| POA used domestically | No (witness only) | No |
| POA for property sale abroad | Yes | Yes (Hague countries) |
| POA for foreign bank operations | Yes | Yes |
| POA for inheritance proceedings abroad | Yes | Yes |
| POA for company representation overseas | Yes | Yes |
If the destination country is a signatory to the 1961 Hague Convention, you will need an apostille issued by the designated authority responsible for legalisation in your country. Non-Hague countries require a longer legalisation chain through the relevant embassy or consulate.
The notarisation process, step by step
Traditional POA notarisation involves booking an appointment, travelling to a notary office, and waiting several days for the signed document to be returned. Remote online notarisation collapses that timeline into a single video session.
Here is the typical RON workflow:
1. Draft or upload your POA. Your solicitor prepares the document, or you upload an existing draft.
2. Verify your identity online. Government-issued ID and a liveness check confirm you are who you claim to be.
3. Meet the notary by video. A qualified notary public reviews the document with you, confirms your understanding, and witnesses your electronic signature.
4. Receive the notarised document. The notary applies their electronic seal and signature, and the file is delivered as a tamper-evident PDF.
5. Request an apostille if needed. For international use, the apostille can be added to the notarised file by the designated legalisation authority.
The entire process typically takes between thirty and sixty minutes, compared with one to two weeks for traditional notarisation.
Notary public versus solicitor: choosing the right professional
This is one of the most frequent sources of confusion. Not every legal professional can notarise a document for international use.
| Professional | Authority | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Notary Public | Notarial acts recognised internationally | POAs used abroad, apostilled documents |
| Solicitor or Commissioner for Oaths | Domestic certifications and sworn statements | Locally-used documents, affidavits |
| Online notary platform | Full notarial chain with digital audit trail | Cross-border POAs handled remotely |
If your POA is heading overseas, you need a Notary Public whose notarial acts are recognised internationally. Using the wrong professional is the single most common reason POAs are rejected at the border.
Common pitfalls to avoid
A surprising number of POAs are returned by foreign authorities for technical reasons rather than substantive ones. Watch out for these:
- Missing apostille. A notarised POA without an apostille is unusable in most Hague countries.
- Wrong language. Some jurisdictions require a certified translation alongside the original.
- Outdated identification. Your ID must be valid on the day of signing, not just when you booked the appointment.
- Incorrect wording. Foreign authorities sometimes require specific clauses or formats. Always confirm with the receiving party before drafting.
- Witness errors. Some POAs require additional witnesses beyond the notary. Check the destination country requirements.
Get your POA notarised the smart way
Notarising a power of attorney no longer requires a trip to a solicitor office or a week of waiting. With My Notary, you book a video session with a qualified notary, sign your document in front of them online, and receive the notarised file the same day. Apostille and translation services can be added in a single workflow.
Ready to notarise your POA? Book your session today and finish in under an hour.