Other matters

Notary public.

A notary public authenticates documents for use outside Ireland. Powers of attorney for a property abroad, affidavits for a foreign court, company documents for an overseas registry, or a certified copy of a passport for a foreign bank. The notary confirms who signed, that they understood it, and that the document is what it says it is.

Book a notary appointment Ask a question

Home / Practice areas / Other matters

At a glance

Do not sign the document before you come in. The notary has to witness the signature. Signing early means starting again.

01AppointmentUsually same or next day

02BringPhoto ID and the unsigned document

03ApostilleDepartment of Foreign Affairs, if the country requires it

04LegalisationConsulate of the country, for non Hague states

The process

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.

Common questions

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 appointment

You may also need

Often needed at the same time.

Practice area