October 6, 2026
Powers of attorney for India are not always straightforward to notarise.
Of key importance is having clear instructions from a lawyer or the relevant government authority in India as to what is required for the particular document.
At its simplest, the document must, of course, be signed by the donor of the power of attorney.
Additional steps that may be required:
1. Signing each page of the document by the donor.
2. Signing each page of the document by the notary.
3. Thumbprint of the donor.
4. Self-attested photograph of the donor.
5. Notarial stamp on the self attested photograph of the donor.
6. Signature of two witnesses to the signature of the donor.
7. Signature of two witnesses on each page of the document.
8. Inclusion of the name and address of the witnesses.
9. Photographs of the witnesses (not often required but not unknown).
10. Self attested copy of the passport of the donor.
11. Notarial certification of the passport of the donor.
12. Both of points 7 & 8 to be completed.
13. Actions like points 7 or 8 or both for the witness' passports.
14. Legalisation by way of application of an apostille by the UK's FCDO.
15. Submission to the IHC for legalisation.
Where point 15 is requested, that should always be resisted because India is a signatory to the Hague Convention. That means that the application of an apostille is a legally compliant and recognised alternative to legalisation by the IHC.
If you would like my assistance with your power of attorney for India please get in touch by calling me, emailing me or using my web contact form on my webpage:
