This is the page that solves most problems. With no consulate to sign before, Venezuelans in the United States use the apostille route: the power of attorney is signed before a U.S. notary, apostilled by the Secretary of State, translated, and sent to Venezuela, where it is accepted without any consular step.
Quick facts
The instrument has to be drafted in Venezuela, by the lawyer or notary who will use it, and then registered there. What you do here is sign it correctly and get the apostille.
Fees breakdown
| Step | Cost | Who does it |
|---|---|---|
| Notarisation | $5–$25 per signature | U.S. notary public |
| Apostille | $3–$25 per document | Secretary of State |
| Certified translation | Per page | Translator, sometimes required in Venezuela |
| Registration in Venezuela | Charged there | Registry or notary office |
| Tracked shipping | Carrier’s charge | The original must travel |
Total cost is modest compared with the alternative, which for years was a flight to another country.
How to do it
- Ask the lawyer in Venezuela for the exact wording and the acts the power must authorise.
- Print it and bring it unsigned to a U.S. notary.
- Sign in front of the notary with valid photo identification.
- Send the notarised original for the apostille from that state.
- Arrange the translation, checking where it must be produced.
- Courier the original to Venezuela and have it registered before anyone acts on it.
Required documents
- Valid photo identification for every signatory.
- The unsigned draft from Venezuela, complete.
- Full details of the person receiving the power, with their identity number.
- Property, account, estate or case references.
- Venezuelan identity card copies where the draft requires them.
- Payment for each stage.
Where to do it
Locally, with a U.S. notary, and then with the Secretary of State of that state. No Venezuelan office is involved in the U.S. side.
Additional notes
Property and estates
Selling, renting or inheriting property in Venezuela is the commonest reason for one of these, and registries are strict about the wording and the registration.
Collecting a passport
An apostilled power is also what allows a relative to collect documents on your behalf in Venezuela, which has been a practical route while services here were unavailable.
Limit what you grant
A general power hands over a great deal. Where a special power for one transaction will do, use that instead.
Revocation
Revoking requires a further instrument through the same chain, and notice to whoever holds the original and to the registry where it was recorded.