Power of Attorney Apostille
A power of attorney (POA) grants another person legal authority to act on your behalf, and when that authority extends across international borders, the document must be apostilled. International property purchases, business representation abroad, banking transactions, inheritance claims, and legal proceedings in foreign countries frequently require an apostilled power of attorney. Because POAs are privately executed documents, they must be properly notarized before an apostille can be attached - and the format requirements vary significantly depending on the destination country.
Power of Attorney Apostille Services
- Digital process: Upload a clear scan of your power of attorney. Our licensed notary certifies a true copy, a U.S. Secretary of State issues the apostille, and we ship the apostilled document back to you with tracking.
- Fast turnaround: Economy in 4-6 business days, Standard in 2-3 days, Express in 1 business day.
- International ready: Recognized across 120+ Hague Convention countries. Your original power of attorney never has to leave your possession.
Why Choose Us
Expert power of attorney review
Every power of attorney is reviewed by our team before processing. We catch eligibility issues, missing pages, and state-specific gotchas upfront so your apostille is not rejected.
Get a free reviewFast turnaround options
From 1-business-day Express to economy standard, we offer flexible processing speeds to match any deadline.
View processing timesEnd-to-end digital service
From scan upload to notarized true copy to state apostille to tracked shipping. We handle the entire process so you don't have to.
See requirementsProcessing Timelines
Priority ExpressExpress
As fast as 1 business day
Standard PriorityStandard
2-3 business days
Economy StandardEconomy
4-6 business days
State processing can be as fast as 1 business day for eligible requests. Shipping time is separate from processing time. If you need your apostilled power of attorney for international use, submit your request as early as possible to allow for both processing and delivery.
View full processing time detailsHow It Works
Three simple steps from upload to delivery. We handle all the complexity.
Upload Your Scan
Submit a clear color scan of your power of attorney through our secure portal. We review it for eligibility and accuracy before anything moves forward.
We Handle Everything
Our licensed notary certifies a true copy of your power of attorney, then a U.S. Secretary of State issues the apostille on the notary-certified true copy.
Receive Your Apostille
Your apostilled power of attorney is shipped directly to you with full tracking. Domestic and international delivery available.
Common Issues with Power of Attorney Apostilles
Must Be Properly Notarized First
A power of attorney cannot be apostilled unless it has been notarized by a commissioned notary public. The notary's signature is what the Secretary of State authenticates with the apostille. If the POA is not notarized, or if the notarization is defective (missing seal, expired commission, wrong state), the apostille will be rejected.
Format Varies by Destination Country
Different countries have very specific requirements for POA format, language, and content. Some countries (particularly in Latin America and Southern Europe) require the POA to follow their own legal template, be executed in a specific way, or include particular clauses. Using a generic U.S. POA template may result in the foreign authority rejecting the document even with a valid apostille.
Limited vs. General POA Distinctions
A general power of attorney grants broad authority, while a limited (or special) power of attorney restricts authority to specific actions. Many foreign countries have strict rules about which type is required for specific transactions. Submitting the wrong type can mean the authorized agent cannot complete the intended transaction abroad.
Notary State Must Match Apostille State
The apostille must come from the state where the notary public is commissioned, not the state where the principal resides or the state where the POA will be used domestically. If a POA is notarized by a Virginia notary, the apostille must come from the Virginia Secretary of State, even if you live in Maryland.
Never mail your original documents
We process apostilles from a notarized true copy of your uploaded scan. Your birth certificate, diploma, or FBI report never leaves your hands, so it can never be lost in the mail.
How true copy processing worksFrequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements may vary by state and destination country. For formal legal advice, consult a qualified professional.