How do I translate a power of attorney into English?
Confirm the exact form accepted by the receiving institution and include every page, notarial seal, signature and attachment.
Check the recipient's requirements first
Ask the bank, public authority, court, company or other recipient whether it accepts an English translation and whether the power of attorney must be notarized, certified or authenticated. Requirements may depend on where it was issued and where it will be used.
Confirm whether the recipient needs the original, a certified copy, an apostille or a specific translation format. Do not rely on a general checklist when the institution has its own instructions.
Send every page and formal detail
These details may be important to the recipient. Provide a clear, complete scan and do not crop stamps or handwritten additions.
- the complete text describing the granted authority;
- names and identification details of the parties as shown in the source;
- notarial certification, seals, signatures, dates and registration details;
- attachments, continuation pages and any instructions from the recipient.
Do not change the scope of authority
The translation should communicate the powers and limits written in the original, including duration or conditions if stated. A translator should not expand, narrow or draft new authority based on an assumed purpose.
If you need a different or corrected power of attorney, ask the person granting it and a qualified legal professional about preparing a new source document.
Final checks
- verify the names, dates and scope against the original;
- confirm that all notarial pages and attachments are translated;
- check whether certification or apostille is required;
- ask the recipient whether it needs the original or a particular copy.
Frequently asked questions
Does translating a power of attorney make it valid in another country?
Translation alone does not establish validity. The receiving authority determines formal requirements, which may include notarization or authentication.
Should notarial stamps and seals be translated too?
Provide all pages and visible seals. Ask the recipient whether it requires every notarial detail to be translated or certified.
Can the translator add powers that are missing from the original?
No. The translation must follow the source document. Ask the grantor and a qualified legal professional about changing or replacing the original.