Colombian consuls exercise notarial functions for acts destined for Colombia: authenticating signatures, certifying copies and receiving powers of attorney. Several posts restrict the service to special powers — a document authorising one named person to carry out one specific procedure — rather than open-ended general powers.
Quick facts
The document must be brought already printed and unsigned. Consular officers authenticate a signature; they do not draft the text, and they will not improvise wording at the counter.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Signature authentication | Consular tariff | Per signature |
| Special power of attorney | Consular tariff | One named agent, one procedure |
| Certified copies | Consular tariff | Per document |
| Notary’s fees in Colombia | Set there | For deeds executed in Colombia |
| Courier to Colombia | Carrier’s charge | Original must travel |
Tariffs are set by resolution and published by each post. Confirm the amount and the accepted payment method before the appointment.
How to apply
- Ask the lawyer, notary or entity in Colombia that will act on the power to supply the exact wording.
- Check whether your consulate accepts only special powers, which is common.
- Print the document and bring it unsigned.
- Book the notarial appointment at the consulate covering your address.
- Attend with your valid physical identity card and sign before the consular officer.
- Courier the original to Colombia, keeping a copy and the tracking record.
Required documents
- Valid Colombian identity card, physical, for every grantor.
- The printed, unsigned document.
- Full name and identity number of the person receiving the power.
- Property, estate or case references the power concerns.
- Photocopies of the identity documents.
- Payment in the accepted form.
Where to apply
At the consulate covering your address. Some posts accept certain authentication services by post from outside their district, which is worth asking about.
Consulado de Colombia e n Atlanta
View details →Beverly HillsConsulate of Colombia in Los Angeles
View details →BostonConsulate of Colombia Boston
View details →ChicagoConsulate General of Colombia
View details →HoustonConsulate General of Colombia
View details →New YorkConsulado de Colombia en Nueva York
View details →OrlandoConsulate of Colombia
View details →San FranciscoConsulate General of Colombia
View details →WashingtonConsulate General of Colombia
View details →WashingtonEmbassy of Colombia
View details →Additional notes
Specific beats general
Naming the procedure, the property and the person is what makes a power usable in Colombia. Vague drafting is the usual reason one is rejected.
Foreign nationals
Someone who is not Colombian normally signs before a U.S. notary and has the document apostilled instead of using the consular route.
Originals travel
Colombian notaries and registries work from the original. A scan is rarely enough to complete a transaction.
Revocation
Revoking a power requires a further document executed the same way, and notice must reach whoever holds the original.