What happens at a notary appointment.
Most appointments take twenty minutes. The apostille or legalisation afterwards takes longer, and we can arrange it.
Tell us what the document is for
Which country, which authority, and what they have asked for. The receiving country decides the form of notarisation and whether an apostille or consular legalisation is needed.
Identity check
Passport or driving licence, and sometimes proof of address. For a company document, evidence of your authority to sign for the company.
The document is checked
We read it, make sure you understand what you are signing, and check that the wording of the notarial certificate matches what the receiving country requires.
Signing and sealing
You sign in front of the notary. The notary signs, dates and seals the document, and records the act in the notarial register.
Apostille
For Hague Convention countries, the Department of Foreign Affairs authenticates the notary's signature with an apostille. We can lodge it for you.
Consular legalisation
For countries outside the Convention, the document goes to that country's embassy or consulate after the apostille. Timelines vary by country. Ask early.
The things people ring us about first.
What is the difference between a notary and a commissioner for oaths
A commissioner's certificate is for use in Ireland. A notary's is recognised abroad. If the document is going overseas you need a notary.
Do I need an apostille
Ask whoever is receiving the document. Most European and many other countries require one. We can tell you whether the country is in the Hague Convention.
Can you notarise a document in another language
Yes, if the notary can be satisfied you understand it. A translation may be needed, and some countries require the translation itself to be certified.
Can you certify a copy of my passport
Yes. Bring the original. A notarised copy is often required by foreign banks and registries.
I am abroad and need a document notarised in Ireland
Generally you have to be physically present. Some remote options exist for specific documents and countries. Ring and we will tell you what is possible.
Bring this to the appointment
Photo ID, the unsigned document, any instructions from the receiving authority, and for a company, the certificate of incorporation and evidence of your role.
Make an appointmentOften needed at the same time.
Immigration and citizenship
Applications that frequently need certified copies and translations.
Buying and selling a home
Powers of attorney for a sale abroad while you are in Ireland.
Enduring power of attorney
For decisions in Ireland if you lose capacity, a different document.