The missions describe their notarial service narrowly and usefully: witnessing your signature on documents to be used in accordance with the laws of Trinidad and Tobago. So the instrument itself is drafted by an attorney-at-law there, and what happens here is the signature.
Quick facts
Bring the document unsigned. A power of attorney signed before you arrive cannot be witnessed, and that is the commonest reason one of these appointments is wasted.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Witnessing a signature | Published chart | Per document |
| U.S. notarisation, where used instead | $5–$25 per signature | Then apostilled |
| Apostille | $3–$25 per document | Compulsory for foreign documents |
| Registration in Trinidad | Charged there | Land registry |
| Attorney’s fees | Agreed with the firm | Drafting and completion |
Property and inheritance are the usual reasons, and Trinidadian conveyancing is exacting about the deed references quoted in a power.
How to apply
- Instruct an attorney-at-law in Trinidad to draft the power for the specific transaction.
- Ask whether they want the signature witnessed at the mission or a notarised and apostilled document.
- Gather the deed or estate references exactly as they appear in Trinidadian records.
- Book the free appointment through the official portal.
- Attend with the unsigned document and valid identification.
- Courier the original to Trinidad and have it registered where required.
Required documents
- Valid photo identification for every signatory.
- The unsigned draft from Trinidad.
- Full details of the person receiving the power.
- Deed or estate references.
- Two colour photocopies of each original document.
- Money order for the fee.
Where to apply
At the embassy in Washington or the consulate general in New York, by appointment.
No offices currently listed.
Additional notes
Ask which route the attorney wants
Consular witnessing and a notarised apostilled document are not interchangeable. The attorney in Trinidad decides.
Family land
Undivided family property is common and often cannot be dealt with by one relative, however the power is worded.
Be specific
Name the property with its deed reference and state the acts authorised. Vague instruments are refused.
Revocation
Revoking requires a further document through the same route, with notice to whoever holds the original.