Notarising a power of attorney: the complete guide
By Jeremy Arhab, Founder · Published 19 May 2026 · Updated 30 June 2026
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.
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.
| Use case | Notarisation needed |
|---|---|
| POA used domestically | No (witness only) |
| POA for property sale abroad | Yes |
| POA for foreign bank operations | Yes |
| POA for inheritance proceedings abroad | Yes |
| POA for company representation overseas | Yes |
Some destination countries require an additional legalisation step before the notarised POA can be used by the receiving authority. We recommend confirming the specific requirements with your receiving institution before ordering.
The notarisation process, step by step
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. Confirm additional requirements. For international use, check with your receiving authority whether any further legalisation step is needed beyond the notarised document.
Notary public versus solicitor
| Professional | Authority | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Notary Public | Notarial acts recognised internationally | POAs used abroad and internationally recognised 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 |
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Missing additional legalisation. Some destination countries require a further legalisation step before a notarised POA can be used — confirm this with your receiving institution before ordering.
- Wrong language. Some jurisdictions require a certified translation alongside the original.
- Outdated identification. Your ID must be valid on the day of signing.
- Incorrect wording. Foreign authorities sometimes require specific clauses or formats.
- Witness errors. Some POAs require additional witnesses beyond the notary.
Get your POA notarised the smart way
With My Notary, you book a video session with a qualified notary public, sign your document in front of them online, and receive the notarised file the same day. Translation services can be added to the same workflow if required.
Got questions? We’re on it.
Most questions are answered here, drawn from what people actually ask before booking. If yours isn’t, our team is in chat.
Notarisation is required whenever the receiving authority needs independent verification of your identity, signature, and legal capacity at the moment of signing. This applies to POAs used for property sales abroad, foreign bank operations, inheritance proceedings abroad, and company representation overseas. A POA used domestically typically only requires a witness, not a notary.
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