U.S. citizens abroad
Notarize a power of attorney from abroad
A power of attorney lets someone in the United States act for you while you are away. It usually has to be signed in front of a notary, which is hard to arrange from another country. A New Jersey notary can see and verify you by secure video.
Matthew Coleman, NJ Notary Public and NNA Certified Loan Signing Agent. Cranford, NJ. Fee confirmed before your session. Card charged only after it is complete. We aim to confirm within 15 minutes, 7am to 9pm.
When this comes up
People most often need this to let a relative, friend or attorney close on a U.S. property, handle a bank or brokerage account, deal with a tax matter or manage a business while they are overseas.
Ask the receiving party first
The most common reason a notarized document is rejected is that nobody checked what the other side would accept. Before you book, find out:
- Does the bank, title company, brokerage or agency accept a power of attorney notarized remotely? Some have their own forms and rules, and some require original ink signatures.
- Do they want their own power of attorney form, or will they accept a general one? Many institutions will only honor their own.
- Does the document need witnesses in addition to the notary? Requirements for witnesses vary by state and by purpose.
- Will it be recorded with a county office? Recorders can set formatting rules, such as margins and the notary details they expect.
- Who will be your agent, and have they agreed? The notary does not choose or vet the agent.
How it works
- Ask the receiving party. Find out in writing whether it accepts a remote notarization and what kind of notarial act it needs.
- Send us the document. We check that it fits New Jersey's rules for a signer outside the United States. Tell us where you will be.
- Book a video session. Bring an unexpired government photo ID, a device with a camera and microphone, and a steady connection. Check the clock in both places.
- Sign on camera. We verify your identity, you sign when told to, and the notary completes the notarization.
- Send it on. You receive the notarized document to deliver or upload as the receiving party requires.
When a New Jersey notary can act
- The notary must be physically in New Jersey. You can be anywhere.
- The document must relate to a U.S. matter: it is filed with or before a U.S. court, public official or entity under U.S. jurisdiction, or it involves U.S. property or a transaction substantially connected with the United States.
- The act must not be prohibited where you are.
- The receiving party decides whether it accepts the result.
Mistakes that get paperwork rejected
- Signing before the session. Sign only when the notary tells you to, on camera.
- Leaving blanks. An incomplete document may be rejected or, worse, filled in later by someone else.
- Using an expired or unreadable ID, or an ID that does not match the name on the document.
- Assuming one power of attorney works everywhere. The receiving party decides what it will honor.
- Skipping the lawyer. A power of attorney gives broad authority, so have an attorney draft or review it.
Questions
Can a New Jersey notary notarize a power of attorney for a signer overseas?
In many cases, yes, when the document is to be filed with or relates to a U.S. matter or U.S. property and the act is not prohibited where you are. Tell us the document and we confirm before booking.
Does the person receiving it have to accept it?
Yes, they decide. Banks, title companies and agencies often have their own rules, so ask them before you book.
Can you write the power of attorney for me?
No. A notary cannot draft documents or give legal advice. An attorney can draft or review it.
MCC Solutions is not a law firm and a notary cannot give legal advice, choose the type of notarization for you, or tell you what a document means. Ask the office or person who will receive the document what it needs, and ask a lawyer about the content.