How to Apostille a Virginia Power of attorney (2026 Guide)
To apostille a Virginia power of attorney, sign the power of attorney before a notary public. Then submit it to the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth for $10 per document. Mail processing takes about 5–10 business days. For a non-Hague destination, you also need US Department of State authentication and embassy legalization.
| Government fee | $10 per document |
|---|---|
| Where to send it | Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth |
| Required copy | Sign the power of attorney before a notary public. |
| Mail time | 5–10 business days |
| Counter | mail only |
| County pre-cert | Not required for this document |
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Step 1 — Get the right copy
Sign the power of attorney before a notary public. In Virginia, virginia vital records come from the Virginia Department of Health, Office of Vital Records.
Step 2 — Submit to the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth
Include a signed cover sheet naming the destination country, payment payable to the authority above, and a prepaid return envelope. Confirm exact requirements on the official page linked in sources. Pay $10 per document by check or money order. There is no counter service, so mail is the only option — plan on 5–10 business days.
Step 3 — Check the destination country
If your document is going to a Hague Apostille Convention member, the apostille is the last step. If the destination is not a member, you continue to the U.S. Department of State — Office of Authentications for authentication and then to that country's embassy for legalization. Confirm with theCountry Checker.
Common rejection reasons
- The notary's commission cannot be verified without county pre-certification (in states that require it)
- The document was signed but not actually notarized
Who typically needs this
Managing property or bank accounts abroad.
Authorizing a representative for a foreign transaction.
Signing on your behalf at a foreign closing.
Frequently asked questions
＋How much does it cost to apostille a power of attorney in Virginia?
The Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth charges $10 per document. You pay separately for the certified copy and your return envelope.
＋Can I apostille a photocopy of my power of attorney?
No. Virginia apostilles the certified or properly notarized document, not a plain photocopy. The notary's commission cannot be verified without county pre-certification (in states that require it)
＋How long does it take?
Mail processing in Virginia runs about 5–10 business days. There is no counter option. A non-Hague destination adds the federal and embassy steps on top.
＋Who usually needs a power of attorney apostille?
People who managing property or bank accounts abroad or need it for authorizing a representative for a foreign transaction. The apostille lets a foreign authority accept your Virginia power of attorney.
Other Virginia documents
Sources
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor
Last verified: July 13, 2026 against the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth and the HCCH status table(official page). See how we verify and how often on ourmethodology page.
This is informational, not legal advice. The receiving authority sets the final requirements — confirm with them and the office named above before you send anything.