How can I sign and notarize a Power of Attorney written in the US when I live abroad?
<p>I'm an American citizen but I live in Germany. I need to provide a Power of Attorney to my father to sell my car for me in the US. I am the principal. I own the car (completely, title in hand, purchased in the US). The car is in currently registered in Alabama, and is in his possession in Tennessee.</p>
<p>Will a business (e.g. dealer) in Tennessee (or even another US-state) recognize a POA that was:</p>
<ul>
<li>Emailed to me</li>
<li>Signed before a German notary</li>
<li>Physically mailed back to the US?</li>
</ul>
<p>Does this depend on the type of German lawyer? Will some of them refuse to notarize such a thing? Does this change by US state? Will I need an official translation to provide to a German notary? Must I use the US Embassy/Consulate notary services only? They seem to be totally out of appointments for the rest of the year, or are just might be suspending this service for now.</p>
<p>Is this possible and/or reasonable to do? I realize this is asking about legality that is split between two countries, which can be hard to answer. Thanks for any clarifications anyone has.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Will a business (e.g. dealer) in Tennessee (or even another US-state)
recognize a POA that was:</p>
<p>Emailed to me</p>
<p>Signed before a German notary</p>
<p>Physically mailed back to the US?</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Yes, although an <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/records-and-authentications/authenticate-your-document/apostille-requirements.html" rel="nofollow noreferrer">apostille</a>, which is a certification that the person claiming to be a notary in Germany really was a notary in Germany, prepared by a designated upper mid-level designed government official in Germany, would often also be required.</p>
<p>If the document is not in English, the document will probably also have to be translated by someone, who will probably have to fill out an affidavit stating that the translation is accurate. But, if the document is in English to start with, the fact that it is a German notarization will usually not need to be translated.</p>
<p>A less sophisticated business will often not insist on either of these extra formalities, however.</p>

germany power-of-attorney notaries car