Q1004. What is the official format and wording required for a Power of Attorney (POA) for MFA document legalization?

Answered by the NYC Visa & Translation legalization desk

Use the current Power of Attorney template supplied or accepted by the Department of Consular Affairs instead of assuming a generic authorization letter is sufficient. Follow its wording and complete the principal’s and representative’s names, identification details, and other requested fields. Describe the documents and expressly authorize the relevant actions, such as submitting the legalization application and collecting the processed documents. Sign where indicated and check the accompanying instructions for witnesses, identification copies, and any applicable stamp duty. If signing abroad, ask whether authentication of the authorization is required. A common pitfall is using names that do not match the attached identification. Verify the accepted form and execution requirements with the Department of Consular Affairs before filing.