Letter of Authorization Apostille
A letter of authorization gives a person or company permission for one defined task. Once notarized in Maryland, it can receive an apostille for use overseas.
What this document is
It is narrower than a power of attorney. A business might authorize a distributor to register a product, or an individual might allow a relative to collect a document from an office abroad.
Where it is used
Regulators and distributors in Spain and Portugal ask for these letters when a local party acts for a U.S. manufacturer, particularly during product registration or customs matters.
How to prepare it
- Print the letter on letterhead if it comes from a company.
- State the authorized party, the task and the end date.
- Identify the signer's title and authority to sign.
Check this first
A letter with no expiry or scope can be rejected as too vague. If the task amounts to legal representation, the receiving office may insist on a full power of attorney.
How the apostille is obtained
- We review the document and check whether a notarized copy meets the request.
- A Maryland notary performs the notarization.
- The Circuit Court clerk certifies the notary where required, and the Maryland Secretary of State issues the apostille.
- We scan the apostilled document and email you a high-resolution PDF.
A common question
Who should sign a company letter?
An officer or other person with authority to bind the company. The notary identifies that person and records the signature.