Did you know you don’t need to visit a notary to authorize someone to carry out a task on your behalf? Legally delegating some tasks in Mexico doesn’t always require complex or costly procedures.

In some cases, a simple power of attorney letter is more than enough and completely valid under the Federal Civil Code.

Below, we explain what a simple power of attorney letter is, what it’s used for in Mexico, and when it requires witnesses or ratification. We’ll also share a free and editable template you can start using today.

Simple Power of Attorney Letter in Mexico: Elements, Example, and Free Template to Fill Out

What is a simple power of attorney letter and what is it used for in Mexico?

A power of attorney letter is a document where one person grants another the authority to act on their behalf in specific matters. It is generally used when you can’t carry out certain tasks in person.

When we talk about a simple power of attorney letter in Mexico, we mean a private agreement that records the temporary delegation of responsibilities. For example: collecting documents, receiving payments, or completing administrative procedures.

You could say it is used to:

• Provide legal backing to the person receiving the letter (attorney-in-fact).

• Speed up procedures that don’t require a notarized power.

• Avoid unnecessary travel due to health, time, or distance reasons.

A simple power of attorney letter has limitations and is only valid for straightforward procedures.

What does the Federal Civil Code say?

The Federal Civil Code establishes the validity of powers through several articles, with Article 2556 stating that:

• A simple power of attorney letter is valid for legal acts, as long as the value does not exceed 1,000 times the current general minimum wage. That is, up to $278,800 MXN for most of the country.

• A notary or witnesses are not required, as long as the document is signed by the person granting the power (grantor).

It also states that the mandate can be verbal (no witnesses or written signature required), only if the matter’s value does not exceed 50 times the general minimum wage.

When does it require witnesses or ratification?

When dealing with larger amounts or acts with broader or continuous effects, the law requires additional formalities.

For example, Article 2555 of the Federal Civil Code indicates that a signature before witnesses and notarial or official ratification is required if:

1. A general power is being granted.

2. The matter’s value exceeds 1,000 times the minimum wage.

3. The act to be carried out by the attorney-in-fact must be recorded in a public instrument (for example, creating a company, formalizing deeds, or notarial acts).

Additionally, state laws may impose extra requirements depending on the state.

In Querétaro, for example, Article 2451 of the Civil Code mandates it when the procedure exceeds 500 times the daily minimum wage. It also requires the signatures of two witnesses, ratified before a notary public, judge, or administrative authority.

Essential elements of a simple power of attorney letter

As a legal instrument, there are mandatory elements a power of attorney letter must include:

• Date and location. Necessary to indicate when and where the power is granted, giving the document temporary validity.

• Full details of the grantor and attorney-in-fact. Include names, addresses, and official IDs to clearly identify both parties (INE, CURP, RFC, or passport), as applicable.

• Purpose. Clearly and specifically describe what the attorney-in-fact is authorized to do.

• Duration. Indicate if the power has an expiration date, is indefinite, or can be revoked.

• Signature of the grantor and attorney-in-fact (if applicable). The grantor’s signature is mandatory; the attorney-in-fact’s signature can be included to give it more formality.

• Witnesses if required. Typically two adults with legal capacity and properly identified.

This is the information a simple power of attorney letter must contain to be legally valid and serve its intended purpose.

Example of a Simple Power of Attorney Letter

Below is a simple power of attorney letter example so you know how to fill it out correctly:

_____________________________________________________________________

Place and date: Mexico City, July 28, 2025

To whom it may concern:

Through this document, I grant power of attorney to Mr. Luis Manuel Ramírez, residing at Calle Robles #123, Col. Del Valle, CDMX, and holding official ID INE number 123456789, to appear on my behalf before the offices of the Mexico City Department of Mobility and collect my Type A driver's license, related to the process with file number 2025-789786.

I declare that this power is valid only for the procedure mentioned above and may be revoked at any time.

Sincerely,
Ramón Méndez López
(RFC: MELC850150HDF)

Signature of the grantor

_______________

Witnesses:

Ana Ruiz / INE 987874321

Fernando Silva / INE 452389123

__________________________________________________________________

• Comment: You must always specify the exact procedure, in this case: “to collect my driver’s license at the Department of Mobility.” General phrases like “for any procedure” may cause legal confusion or be rejected by the corresponding authority.

Power of Attorney Format – Mexico

If you need a simple power of attorney letter, here are 2 formats:

1. Editable Word Format (no notary or witnesses required):

Download Simple Power of Attorney Letter.

2. Official PDF Format from the Mexican Consulate (SRE):

You can also follow the official SRE format (PDF). However, this template is intended for notarial or legal actions.

Simple Power of Attorney Letter: Common Use Cases

This type of power of attorney allows you to delegate simple tasks in a practical way.

Some of the most frequent uses include:

• Making payments at a bank branch or institution, or performing simple transactions in an account.

• Authorizing someone to collect financial aid or pensions.

• Signing for the receipt or delivery of products on behalf of another person, even in customs clearance or international shipping processes.

• Collecting official or personal documents, including birth certificates, IDs, credentials, or certificates.

• Signing for the receipt of documents when a formal record of receiving an important document is required.

The power of attorney letter for procedures in Mexico also works for both administrative and financial matters.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a simple power of attorney letter valid without a notary?

Yes, as long as it is specific and its value does not exceed one thousand times the current general minimum wage. In such cases, no notary or witnesses are required, according to the Federal Civil Code.

How long does a power of attorney letter last?

Its duration is usually defined within the document itself. In most cases, the grantor sets an expiration date, but it can also end once the authorized procedure is completed.

Can a power of attorney letter be revoked?

Yes, the power of attorney can be revoked at any time by decision of the grantor. To do so, they must draft a written notice and deliver it to the agent and/or the institution where it was used.

Can it be signed digitally?

In certain cases, yes—using the SAT’s e.firma or other tools with legal validity. However, not all institutions accept electronic signatures, so make sure to verify if it’s allowed beforehand.