Power of Attorney and Apostille Services in Los Angeles

How to Issue a Power of Attorney for Use Abroad – A Guide for Los Angeles Residents

Many Russian and Ukrainian nationals living in the U.S.—especially in California—often face the need to issue a Power of Attorney (POA) that’s legally valid in Russia, Ukraine, or other CIS countries. In this guide, we’ll explain how to get it done in Los Angeles, what your options are, where to go, and what documents you’ll need.

Can I Issue a Power of Attorney in Los Angeles for Use in Russia or Ukraine?

Yes, you absolutely can. If you’re living in Los Angeles and need to handle legal matters in Russia or Ukraine—such as managing property, collecting documents, or representing someone in court—you don’t need to travel overseas. You can simply authorize a trusted person to act on your behalf through a properly executed Power of Attorney.

A POA is a legal document that allows another person to act in your name. For most official procedures abroad, your POA must be notarized and properly legalized to be accepted by foreign authorities.

Options for Issuing a Power of Attorney in the U.S.

If you need your U.S.-issued POA to be valid in Russia or Ukraine, it must go through notarization and apostille certification. There are two common ways to do this:

1. Notarization by a U.S. Notary + Apostille

This is the most common and convenient method. Once your POA is notarized by a licensed notary in the U.S., it must be certified with an apostille—an international stamp that confirms the notary’s authority. Russian and Ukrainian authorities accept such documents as long as the apostille is present.

2. Issuing a POA at a Consulate

Alternatively, you can issue your POA directly at the Russian or Ukrainian Consulate. In this case, the document is considered official and does not require an apostille, since it’s issued by a recognized foreign mission.

How to Get a Power of Attorney Notarized in Los Angeles

When working with a notary in Los Angeles, your POA must undergo a process called legalization to be accepted in another country.

There are two main methods for legalizing foreign documents:

• Consular Legalization – A more complex process involving the consulate and governed by Russian consular regulations (Article 27 of the Consular Charter). This option is less common due to the time and steps involved.

• Apostille Certification – A simplified, internationally recognized method of legalization. Under the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961, an apostille confirms the notary’s authority and signature. It is issued by an official U.S. government agency—no need for consulate involvement.

These options apply whether you’re preparing a general power of attorney or any other type of document intended for legal use in Russia, Ukraine, or other countries that recognize apostille certification.

Questions?

📧 Email us at: info@dokumentusa.com
📞 Call: (323) 650-2233