How to Cancel a Power of Attorney in Saudi Arabia: Revocation Steps and Effects

To cancel a power of attorney you have granted to someone else, you can revoke it online through the Najiz platform by selecting it from your list of powers of attorney and requesting revocation, or through a licensed notary authorised by the Ministry of Justice. As a rule, the principal may revoke a power of attorney whenever they wish, although there are exceptions relating to third-party rights that you should be aware of.

Why might you need to revoke a power of attorney?

There are many reasons a principal may want to end a power of attorney, including:

• The purpose for which it was issued has been fulfilled.
• Loss of trust in the agent, or a dispute with them.
• Wanting to replace it with a more precise power of attorney or a different agent.
• Discovering that the power of attorney grants wider powers than necessary.
• The principal returning from travel and being able to manage their own affairs.

In any case, it is best not to leave a power of attorney in force without a real need, especially if it includes financial or real estate clauses. Many problems arise from powers of attorney issued years ago for a purpose that has since ended, which remained in force and were forgotten by the principal until they were later used for an act they never expected. Regularly reviewing the powers of attorney you have issued is a simple habit that protects your money and property.

How do you revoke a power of attorney through Najiz?

1. Log in to Najiz via Nafath (National Unified Access).
2. Go to the power of attorney services and view the powers of attorney you have issued.
3. Select the one you want to cancel and check its number and the agent's details.
4. Choose the revocation service and specify whether the revocation is full or applies to a particular agent where there are several, depending on the options the platform offers.
5. Confirm the request with the verification code, and keep proof that the revocation has been completed.

Service names and their order may change as the platform is updated, but the basic process remains the same.

Can you revoke a power of attorney through a licensed notary?

Yes. Licensed notaries authorised by the Ministry of Justice offer a revocation service. This suits anyone who finds the platform difficult to use, anyone with a power of attorney issued in a way that does not appear in their online account, or anyone who wants to make sure the procedure is done correctly and to handle special cases, such as powers of attorney issued in the capacity of a guardian or on behalf of an entity.

When visiting the notary, bring your valid ID, the power of attorney number if available, and proof of your capacity if you issued it on behalf of an entity or as a guardian. The notary verifies your identity and that the power of attorney was in fact issued by you before recording the revocation in the justice system, so that it is visible to any authority that looks up the power of attorney.

How does revocation affect acts already carried out by the agent?

This is one of the most important points, and one many people overlook:

• Acts carried out before revocation by the agent within the limits of the power of attorney generally remain valid and binding on the principal.
• Acts carried out after revocation are outside the agent's authority, but issues may arise concerning third parties acting in good faith who were unaware of the revocation, and these are assessed according to the circumstances of each case.
• If a third party's right is attached to the power of attorney, for example where it forms part of an agreement or secures an obligation, revocation by the principal alone may not be possible or may not take effect, and the matter requires a legal assessment.

Therefore, where there is a dispute or questionable acts, it is advisable to consult a lawyer before and after revocation to determine the right steps.

When does a power of attorney end without being revoked?

A power of attorney usually ends in cases including:

• Expiry of the term stated in it.
• Completion of the task for which it was issued.
• Death of the principal or the agent.
• The agent withdrawing from the power of attorney in accordance with the approved procedures.

Even so, checking the status of the power of attorney in the electronic systems is a useful step, especially for older ones.

What should you do after revoking a power of attorney?

• Notify the agent of the revocation in writing where possible, so that their knowledge of it is established.
• Notify the parties the agent was dealing with on your behalf, such as banks or companies.
• Review the actions taken in your name during the term of the power of attorney.
• If you need a replacement agent, issue a new power of attorney with carefully considered clauses through our powers of attorney and acknowledgments service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does the agent have to agree to the revocation? A: As a rule, revocation is the principal's right and does not depend on the agent's consent, except where a third party's right is attached to the power of attorney.

Q: Can I revoke only some of the clauses? A: In practice, the safest approach is to revoke the power of attorney and issue a new one with the required clauses, so that the powers are clear to the authorities.

Q: How can I confirm the power of attorney has been revoked? A: You can check its status using its number through the Ministry of Justice's official online services.

FATIMA AL ASMARI Law & Intellectual Property Company in Jeddah, licensed by the Ministry of Justice for legal practice and notarization, helps you revoke powers of attorney and assess their legal consequences, particularly in disputes or where unwanted acts have occurred. We serve all regions of the Kingdom; book a consultation or call +966 56 685 9556.

Legal sources

This article is for general awareness and is not legal advice.