Rules for Power of Attorney

• Required Statement From the Signer

  The signer must include a typed or written statement explaining what the POA is and its purpose, and this statement must be signed and properly notarized.

• Notarization Requirements

  The POA must have a complete notarial certificate, the notary’s signature and seal, and the date of notarization or it will be rejected.

• Certified Copies

  A Texas notary may certify a copy of the POA only if it is not a recorded document, and the certified copy must include a correct notarial certificate.

• Multiple Attachments

  If the POA has attachments, the signer’s statement must list all of them and the entire packet must be submitted exactly as listed.

• Identification Requirements

  Any ID referenced in the POA must belong to the person who actually signed the document.

• Translation Rules

  A translation must include the translator’s signed accuracy statement, notarization of the translator’s signature, and the original or copy of the translated document.

• Prohibited “Notario Publico” Language

  Texas will reject any POA that uses “Notario Publico” or gives the notary powers they do not have, since only the signer may make statements about their authority.

• Online Notarization (RON) Requirements

  RON POAs must include the notary’s RON ledger and a certificate stating the notarization was done online, but many foreign countries may still refuse RON documents.