Quick Answer
To send a power of attorney to Iran from the US, you register your request in the Mikhak system and upload the full content of the document and your supporting documents. You then book a video call with the Iranian affairs office in Washington DC, where you sign on camera and stamp the document with your fingerprint. Your representative in Iran collects a copy from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Have an Iranian attorney write the power of attorney for one specific task or property rather than using a generic template.
Why you register in the Mikhak system
You have to register your request in Mikhak and upload the full content of your power of attorney. This is not optional. Your representative in Iran will go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to receive a copy of what you submitted, along with your documents. If the content is not in the system, there is nothing for them to pick up.
Do not use a generic template
You can find boilerplate power of attorney forms online, but most of them are very generic. I would not use one without talking to an Iranian attorney first. A generic document gives your representative broad power. If that person decides to misuse it, you could end up in serious legal trouble. Many of these templates also include language that makes it very hard, sometimes impossible, to pursue the representative or sue for damages later. Paying for a short consultation with an attorney costs far less than fixing a problem after the fact. Your power of attorney should give specific instructions for one specific task or one specific property. The narrower and clearer it is, the safer you are.
The video call with the Washington DC office
Once your documents are uploaded, you need to book an appointment for a video call with the Iranian affairs office in Washington DC. On the call, they watch you sign the document and stamp it with your fingerprint. Have a fingerprint stamp pad ready before the call. You can pick one up at any office supply store, such as Staples. Get it ahead of time so you are not scrambling on the day of your appointment.
What it costs
Fees differ depending on the type of power of attorney. The Washington DC office will tell you the government fees only after you submit the content, so you will not know the exact amount until that step is done.
The short version
- Talk to an Iranian attorney about your specific task.
- Have the power of attorney written for that task or property only.
- Register in Mikhak and upload the content and documents.
- Book your video appointment with the Washington DC office.
- Bring a fingerprint stamp pad and sign on camera.
- Pay the fees they quote after reviewing your submission.
Need help with the process?
If you would like support registering in Mikhak, preparing your documents, or understanding each step before you book your appointment, Iranian Citizen Services is here to help. Visit iraniancitizen.com to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I have to upload the content of my power of attorney?
Your representative in Iran needs to receive a copy of it from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. That copy comes from what you submit in Mikhak, so the content and documents must be uploaded first.
Can I use a template I found online?
I would not. Generic templates are too broad and can expose you to real legal problems if your representative misuses the power. Talk to an Iranian attorney about your specific task first.
How specific should the power of attorney be?
Very specific. It should cover one task or one property, with clear instructions, rather than giving open-ended authority.
Do I need to be on camera when I sign?
Yes. The Iranian affairs office in Washington DC needs to see you sign the paper and stamp it with your fingerprint during a video call.
What do I need to have ready for the video call?
Your signed-ready document and a fingerprint stamp pad. Any office supply store, like Staples, carries them.
How much will it cost?
It depends on the type of power of attorney. The Washington DC office will confirm the government fees after you submit the content.
Who collects the document in Iran?
Your representative goes to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to receive a copy of the content and documents you submitted.