Honduran Consular Power of Attorney in the U.S.
The consular power of attorney is one of the most useful procedures for Hondurans living in the United States who need to handle matters in Honduras without traveling. With this document you authorize a trusted person —the attorney-in-fact— to act on your behalf: sell or manage property, handle procedures, represent you in legal acts and more. It is granted at the Honduran consulate, where the consul performs notarial functions, and is then used in Honduras. In this guide we explain how it works, which documents to bring and how to book the appointment.
ℹ️ Important: the types of power of attorney, the possible powers, the fees and the later steps in Honduras vary by case and consulate. This guide is for guidance only; always confirm the details with your consulate or at citaconsular.sreci.gob.hn before granting the power.
Contents
What is a consular power of attorney and what is it for?
A power of attorney is a legal document by which one person (the principal) authorizes another (the attorney-in-fact) to act on their behalf within the limits established. When you live in the U.S., the Honduran consulate lets you grant it without traveling to your country, because the consul performs notarial functions for Honduran nationals.
- Avoids having to travel to Honduras to sign before a notary.
- Lets a relative or trusted person handle your affairs there.
- Adapts to different needs based on the powers you decide to grant.
Types and common uses
Depending on the scope of the powers, there are broader or more limited powers of attorney. Some common uses:
🏠 Property and real estate
Sell, buy, rent or manage a property in Honduras on your behalf.
📄 Procedures and representation
Handle documents, represent you before institutions or carry out administrative acts.
⚖️ Legal acts
Authorize someone to act in specific legal or judicial matters, according to the power.
The type of power and the exact authorities must be well defined. If you have doubts about the scope, it is best to seek advice from a lawyer in Honduras before the appointment.
Documents usually required
- Valid Honduran identity document: DNI/identity card and/or Honduran passport.
- Full details of the attorney-in-fact (name, identity and sometimes address) in Honduras.
- Description of the powers you grant and, if applicable, details of the property or matter (for example, property details).
- Appointment confirmation obtained through CitaConsular.
- Payment of the consular fee.
Note: each consulate may request its own forms or additional information. Verify the official checklist when you book your appointment and bring the attorney-in-fact's details clearly written.
How to grant the power, step by step
- Define the power: decide which authorities you grant and to whom (the attorney-in-fact), ideally with legal advice.
- Gather your Honduran ID documents and the attorney-in-fact's details.
- Book the appointment at citaconsular.sreci.gob.hn, choosing the U.S. and your consulate.
- Attend and sign before the consul, who certifies the act as a notary.
- Pay the fee and receive the power of attorney to send or use in Honduras.
How to book the appointment
The consulate's notarial services are usually handled through the CitaConsular system:
🌐 CitaConsular system
Go to citaconsular.sreci.gob.hn, choose the U.S. and your consulate, select the notarial/power of attorney procedure and book the date.
Go to CitaConsular →📘 Appointment guide
If it is your first time on the portal, we explain how to book step by step without mistakes.
See how to book →How the power of attorney is used in Honduras
Once granted, the power of attorney is sent or handed to your attorney-in-fact in Honduras to use before the relevant institution or person. Depending on the type of power and its purpose:
- It may require additional steps in Honduras (for example, protocolization or registration), depending on the act.
- For matters involving documents from other countries, it is worth reviewing the apostille and legalization guide.
- The attorney-in-fact can only act within the powers you granted; a well-drafted power avoids problems.
If the matter is complex (inheritance, major sales, litigation), rely on a lawyer in Honduras to draft the power with the correct scope.
Frequently asked questions about the power of attorney
What exactly is a consular power of attorney?
It is a document you grant at the Honduran consulate to authorize a trusted person to act on your behalf in Honduras: sell or manage property, handle procedures or represent you in legal acts. The consul acts as a notary and the power is then used in Honduras.
Do I have to travel to Honduras to sign the power?
No. The very advantage of the consular power is that you can grant it at the Honduran consulate in the U.S., without traveling. The consul certifies the act and the document is ready to be sent and used in Honduras.
Can I limit what the attorney-in-fact can do?
Yes. The power defines the authorities you grant: they can be broad or very specific (for example, only to sell a particular property). Defining the scope well protects your interests; if in doubt, consult a lawyer in Honduras.
Does the power expire or can I revoke it?
It depends on how it is drafted and the applicable law. Many powers can be revoked and some have a limited validity or end once their purpose is fulfilled. If you need to revoke a power, ask your consulate and your lawyer about the correct procedure.
How much does it cost to grant a consular power?
The fee varies by consulate, type of power and year, and is paid on the day of the appointment. Confirm the current cost when booking and bear in mind that additional steps may apply in Honduras depending on the use of the power.