Cancelling a Power of Attorney in Egypt & Getting a Lost Copy
How to cancel a power of attorney at the notary office in Egypt, why you must notify the agent, and how to get an official copy of a lost one.
Powers of attorney are signed quickly and forgotten just as quickly. Then one day you need to cancel one, or you need to use it and can't find the paper. Both situations are common, and both have a clear procedure. Here is how to cancel a power of attorney in Egypt, and how to get a copy of a lost one.
When can you cancel a power of attorney?
As a rule, you can cancel a power of attorney you gave at any time, without giving a reason. The main exception is a power of attorney issued in the agent's own interest, such as one given to a buyer who has already paid for a property. That kind usually can't be cancelled without the agent's consent or a court ruling.
A power of attorney also ends when its purpose is done, or when the person who gave it dies, unless it was issued in the agent's interest.
How to cancel it at the notary office
Go to a notary office with your national ID.
Bring the details of the power of attorney: its number, year and the office that issued it, or a copy if you have one.
Record an official cancellation and keep the cancellation document.
If you live abroad, you can usually cancel through the Egyptian consulate in your country.
Notify the agent: the step most people forget
A cancellation only counts against the agent from the moment they know about it. Anything they do before that may still bind you. That's why it's best to notify them officially through a court bailiff, and keep a copy of the notice.
If you don't know the agent's current address, talk to a lawyer about the right way to notify them.
"Cannot be cancelled except in the presence of both parties"
Some powers of attorney include this clause, usually in property sales. Cancelling it normally needs the agent to attend with you, or a court ruling. Having the paper in your hand doesn't change that, so read every clause before you sign.
Lost your power of attorney? How to get an official copy
Losing the paper doesn't cancel the power of attorney or stop you from using it. You can request an official copy from the notary office that issued it, with your ID and the number and year of the power of attorney. If you don't remember the number, the office can usually search for it using your details.
The same applies if you want to cancel a power of attorney you lost: the cancellation is recorded using its details, even without the original.
Why EL-LWAA
We handle power of attorney and property matters for clients in Egypt and abroad. In this video, Mr. Salah Ellwaa explains cancelling a power of attorney and getting an official copy of a lost one:
Contact us if you need to cancel a power of attorney or review one before you use it.
FAQ
Do I have to cancel the power of attorney at the same office that issued it?
Not always, since notary offices are now linked, but procedures can differ. Check with the office first, or let your lawyer handle it.
I forgot the number of the power of attorney. Can I still cancel it?
Yes. The office can usually find it using your name and national ID.
Is a power of attorney cancelled if the paper is lost?
No. You need an official cancellation, and you can get an official copy if you need to use it.
The power of attorney says it can't be cancelled except with both parties present, and I have the paper. What can I do?
Holding the paper doesn't change the clause. You'll need the agent's presence or a court ruling, so contact us to review your case.
Can I cancel a power of attorney from outside Egypt?
Yes, usually through the Egyptian consulate in your country. Then notify the agent in Egypt officially.