French Power of Attorney in the U.S. — 2026 Guide

French consulates in the United States are not notaries. What they provide is signature certification for French nationals on documents destined for France, and that is usually all a French notary needs: the deed itself is drafted in France, sent to you, and signed here with your signature certified.

Quick facts

Because tariffs are the same at every French post in the United States, the only variable is appointment availability, which differs sharply between consulates.

Fees breakdown

Ask the notary in France which form they want before choosing between the consular route and a U.S. notary with an apostille. Both are used; only one will be accepted in your file.

How to apply

1. Have the notary or lawyer in France prepare the power and send it to you.
2. Bring it unsigned. The signature is made in front of the consular officer.
3. Book the appointment at the consulate covering your address.
4. Attend with valid French identification.
5. Pay the chancery tariff.
6. Courier the original to France, keeping a copy and the tracking record.

Required documents

• Valid French passport or identity card.
• The unsigned document, complete, with no blank fields.
• Details of the person receiving the power.
• Property, estate or case references.
• Proof of address in the consular district.
• Payment in the accepted form.

Where to apply

At the consulate covering your address. Signature certification is among the quicker services once you have a slot.

Additional notes

Estates

French succession files often need a power from each heir. Coordinating several people in different states is the real constraint, not the consular step.

Property sales

Selling property in France from abroad is done through a power to the notary’s clerk or to a trusted person. The wording comes from the notary.

Certified copies

Consulates certify copies of documents for use in France, which is often requested alongside the power.

Revocation

Revoking a power requires a further document executed the same way, with notice to the notary holding the file.