Rules for Power of Attorney

• Conditions for a Power of Attorney in Arkansas

  Before a Power of Attorney can be sent for international authentication, it must be executed according to Arkansas state law. Arkansas POA Execution Requirements Must be signed by the principal. Must be notarized by an Arkansas Notary Public. Must include a proper acknowledgment statement for the principal’s signature (required by Arkansas notarial law). Witnesses are not required unless requested by the foreign authority. Arkansas POAs for real estate or financial authority must follow statutory requirements under Arkansas Code § 28-68-101 et seq. Foreign countries often reject online notarization, so in-person notarization is recommended.

• Notarization Requirements

  Arkansas has strict standards for document authentication. The Secretary of State will not issue an Apostille or Certification unless the POA meets every requirement below. Required Notarial Elements A notarized Arkansas POA must have: Principal’s original signature Notary Public’s signature Notary seal Notary’s commission information Complete acknowledgment statement (Arkansas requires this for every signature) The document must be an: Original Certified copy “True and perfect copy” authenticated by the notary Important Restrictions A notary cannot certify a photocopy of: Vital records Public records The Secretary of State will reject: Incomplete notarizations Missing acknowledgment statements POAs not notarized in Arkansas Documents with only a photocopied signature

• Translation Requirements

  If any portion of the POA or attached material is in a foreign language: It must be translated into English. A qualified translator must sign an affidavit certifying the translation as: Fair Accurate Complete (Per A.R.C.P. 1009(a)) A notary must witness the translator’s signature with: A completed acknowledgment Notary signature and seal The Arkansas SOS will not authenticate untranslated or improperly translated documents.

• Apostille & Certification Requirements

  A. Apostille (Hague Countries) You may request an Apostille if the POA: Is a properly notarized Arkansas document, or Bears the signature and seal of an Arkansas elected official Fee: $10 per document B. Certification (Non-Hague Countries) If the destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, Arkansas issues a Certification instead. Fee: $5 per document After Certification, the document typically requires: U.S. Department of State Authentication Embassy legalization

• What Arkansas Will Not Apostille or Certify

  The Secretary of State cannot authenticate: Documents containing a foreign language without English translation & translator affidavit Immigration, citizenship, or sovereignty-related documents Documents without complete Arkansas notarization Documents issued by the U.S. Department of State Documents lacking the seal/signature of an Arkansas notary or official

• Submission Requirements

  Submit the POA and supporting documents to: Arkansas Secretary of State With proper fees: $10 per Apostille $5 per Certification Documents must be originals, certified copies, or true and perfect copies notarized by an Arkansas notary.