Short version
A returned POA is usually a procedural issue (missing identifier, scope mismatch, language, terminology) — not a legal defect. Many are fixed with a short supplementary amendment; some need a fresh draft. Send us the returned POA and the rejection note on WhatsApp.
8 Reasons UAE Authorities Reject a Power of Attorney
- Missing identifier — DLD requires the Title Deed number; RTA requires chassis AND plate number. 'My property' or 'my car' is insufficient.
- Wrong or missing authority word — 'manage' is not the same as 'sell'. DLD will reject a sale transaction if the word 'sell' (بيع) does not appear explicitly.
- Expired POA — banks apply their own internal thresholds (some reject POAs over 6 months old). DLD may reject foreign POAs older than 2 years (Circular 29/R/2025).
- Agent details don't match — the agent's name, nationality, or ID number in the POA must match their documents exactly. Any discrepancy triggers rejection.
- Language issue — UAE mainland authorities require Arabic (or bilingual with Arabic prevailing). An English-only POA is rejected by DLD, banks, and MOHRE.
- Missing notarization — an unnotarized POA (even if correctly drafted) carries no legal weight before any UAE authority. Notarization is mandatory.
- Foreign POA without attestation chain — a POA issued outside the UAE must complete the full attestation chain (local MoFA → UAE Embassy → UAE MoFA) to be accepted.
- Scope too broad or too vague — 'handle all my affairs' without specifying the authority is rejected by institutions that need named, specific powers.
Most Rejections Are Fixed the Same Day
A returned POA is not a failed transaction — it is a procedural correction. Once we know the exact rejection reason (send us the rejection note), we identify whether the fix requires a supplementary amendment or a full redraft. Most standard POA corrections are completed and rnotarized via video call within hours. Send us the returned POA and the rejection note on WhatsApp.
Documents we will ask you for
- The returned POA (photo or scan of both sides)
- The rejection note or email from the receiving institution
- The specific action you want the attorney to take
- The receiving institution's name and contact (if not in the rejection note)
- Emirates ID copies for principal and attorney
— Frequently asked
Plain answers to the questions we hear most.
The Notary Public's mandate is to verify the principal's identity and legal capacity to sign the document. The Notary does not audit the text for compliance with external banking regulations; ensuring the draft meets specific institutional criteria remains the principal's responsibility.
No. Once a document is officially signed and notarized, its contents are legally locked. To resolve a procedural rejection, an entirely new legal document incorporating the required corrections must be drafted and notarized.
Yes. Correcting the issue requires the issuance and registration of a new legal instrument. Standard government notarization fees apply for processing the new document.
A notarized document cannot be directly amended — its contents are legally locked from the date of notarization. The correct approach depends on the rejection type: for minor procedural issues (missing identifier, scope addition), a supplementary amendment addendum is notarized alongside the original POA — this is faster and cheaper than a full redraft. For fundamental issues (wrong agent, wrong language, wrong authority type), a full new POA must be drafted and notarized. Send us the rejection note and we advise which applies.
Banks apply their own internal compliance requirements on top of UAE law requirements. Common bank-specific rejection reasons: the POA is older than the bank's internal threshold (some banks reject POAs over 3–6 months old); the POA does not name the specific bank or account; the language is not precise enough for the bank's legal team; or the agent did not bring the original notarized document (banks typically reject copies). Best practice: always call the specific bank before relying on a POA for a banking transaction to confirm their exact requirements.