Do we need to register POA in India?

Asked by: Rachelle Hermann  |  Last update: August 13, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (62 votes)

For instance, a PoA for the sale of immovable property is mandatorily required to be registered in the majority of states in India, including Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala, and Rajasthan. It is important to keep in mind that the quantum of stamp duty payable on the PoA may also vary from state to state.

Does POA need to be registered in India?

According to the Indian Registration Act of 1908, a POA involving property must be registered. Failing to do so can result in legal complications and may even render the POA ineffective.

How to register nri POA in India?

Here's a step-by-step guide for NRIs to execute a POA for India:
  1. Step 1: Preparing documents. Having the correct documents is essential when creating any legal binding document, especially an Indian POA. ...
  2. Step 2: Drafting the POA. ...
  3. Step 3: Attestation. ...
  4. Step 4: Registration. ...
  5. Step 5: Stamp Duty.

Is unregistered Power of Attorney valid in India?

It is absolutely valid. 1. For immovable properties, the POA must be mandatorily be Registered in India. ELSE it will be invalid and challenged in case of disputes.

Is US Power of Attorney valid in India?

Yes, US citizens can grant Power of Attorney for use in India. However, the document must be notarized in the US, attested by the Indian consulate, and comply with Indian laws to be legally valid.

DIY- How to register Power of Attorney (POA) for property in India

15 related questions found

How to give power of attorney from abroad to India?

Mentioned below is the simple step-by-step process for drafting a Power of Attorney for an NRI:
  1. Step 1: Determining the Scope of Authority. ...
  2. Step 2: Consulting Legal Experts. ...
  3. Step 3: Drafting the POA Document. ...
  4. Step 4: Implementing the POA. ...
  5. Step 5: Registering the POA (Optional) ...
  6. Step 6: Transmitting the POA to India.

Is power of attorney valid internationally?

One of the first questions many people have is whether they can or should appoint an attorney-in-fact who resides in a different jurisdiction. The answer is generally: yes, you can appoint someone who lives abroad! However, there are both advantages and disadvantages to this approach.

How long is POA valid in India?

A Power of Attorney remains valid until it is revoked by the grantor, the purpose of the document is fulfilled, or the grantor becomes mentally incapacitated (unless it's a durable Power of Attorney). It's important to periodically review and update the document to ensure it reflects your current intentions.

Is a non registered will valid in India?

In a landmark judgment in 2019, the Supreme Court of India held that an unregistered Will is valid and enforceable in law. The Court observed that the Registration Act, 1908, does not require Wills to be registered.

Can you sell property in India with Power of Attorney?

Yes, a notarized power of attorney is valid in India. However, for certain transactions, such as those involving immovable property, it is advisable to have the power of attorney registered with the appropriate sub-registrar to ensure its legality and enforceability.

Can I open a bank account with a power of attorney?

When opening the account, the bank usually requires a legal power of attorney document and a photo ID. You may also need to fill out the bank's power of attorney form. Also, the account will usually be in the other party's name, but you will have authority over the account.

Can NRI give power of attorney without coming to India?

The Power of Attorney can be executed in India or overseas where the NRI/OCI customer is residing. NRIs can use a specific Power of Attorney to authorise an individual to purchase a property in India, on their behalf.

Can POA be digitally signed in India?

Do note: Under the Powers of Attorney Act, all PoAs must be signed. Therefore - as per Section 5 of the IT Act - PoAs can be electronically executed ONLY via “electronic signatures” under the IT Act - Aadhaar eSign, PAN eSign, DSC Token eSign and Doc Signer.

Is Power of Attorney valid without notary India?

—The Court shall presume that every document purporting to be a power-of-attorney, and to have been executed before, and authenticated by, a Notary Public, or any Court, Judge, Magistrate, Indian Consul or Vice-Consul, or representative of the Central Government, was so executed and authenticated.”

How do you authenticate a Power of Attorney executed outside India?

Authentication Requirement: For a PoA executed outside India to be valid, it must be authenticated by a Notary Public or an Indian Consul or Vice-Consul. This is essential for the PoA to be recognized under Section 33(1)(c) of the Registration Act, 1908 Elizabeth Rajan Daughter of late Mr.

Is a notarized Will valid in India?

The answer is yes, a notarised Will is valid in court. The Indian Succession Act, 1925, doesn't mandate a Will to be notarised or registered. Even a simple handwritten Will (Holographic Will) is considered valid if it fulfills certain criteria, like being signed by the testator and witnessed by two individuals.

Is it mandatory to register a Will in India?

Is registration of a Will mandatory? No, as per the provisions of Section 18 of the Indian Registration Act, registration of Will document is not mandatory. However, it is advisable.

Is living will valid in India?

The Laws In India

It questions the delicate balance between the fundamental right to life under the Constitution, and the right to peacefully embrace a dignified death. According to a groundbreaking Supreme Court judgement in 2018, individuals are now able to express their end-of-life choices through a Living Will.

Should power of attorney be registered in India?

Registration of a Power of Attorney deed is not mandatory in India. But registration of the Power of Attorney deed is mandatory for doing any work related to the transfer of immovable property. It is advisable to register a Power of Attorney deed to enhance the authenticity of the document.

How to register NRI power of attorney in India?

In India, NRIs can execute a Power of Attorney (POA) by visiting the Sub-Registrar's office. The POA document should be meticulously drafted on a non-judicial stamp paper of Rs 100 value. During the execution, the presence of two legal representatives and witnesses is essential.

Can OCI give power of attorney in India?

Visit the nearest Indian Embassy or Consulate in India. Submit the original PoA, a photocopy, and your OCI card photocopy. Pay any applicable fees. The Embassy/Consulate will verify the document and signatures before attesting it.

How long is power of attorney valid in the USA?

Generally, a power of attorney remains effective until you revoke it or until you pass away. However, there are situations in which a power of attorney can become invalid, such as if it is tied to a specific event or period of time, or if your agent becomes incapacitated or passes away.

Can an American lawyer represent you in another country?

Coordination with Attorneys in the United States: Attorneys from the United States may not represent you in foreign courts unless they are admitted to practice before them.

How to give power of attorney from the USA?

How to make a power of attorney
  1. Decide which type of power of attorney to make. ...
  2. Choose your agent. ...
  3. Decide how much authority to give your agent. ...
  4. Obtain a power of attorney form. ...
  5. Complete the form, sign, and witness it according to the laws in your state.