Notarization

In plain words

Notarisation is certification by a notary of a particular fact: that a signature on a document was made by this particular person, that a copy matches the original, or that a document was signed in the notary’s presence. Put simply: the notary vouches for the form and for the person’s identity, not for the content.

This is an important distinction. When certifying a signature on a statement, the notary does not check whether the text is true: the signatory is responsible for its accuracy. When certifying a copy, the notary confirms that it matches the original, not that the document itself is lawful. Understanding this boundary removes many false expectations.

In international procedures a notarial act is usually the first step in a long chain: certification, then an apostille or consular legalisation, then translation. Form requirements differ from country to country, so before visiting a notary you confirm exactly what must be certified and with what wording — redoing it costs more than asking.

When a notary is needed

What a notary certifies

How it usually works

1. 01Confirm the authority’s requirements
2. 02Prepare the document and passport
3. 03Notarisation
4. 04Apostille where required
5. 05Translation and filing

What you need to know

• A notary certifies a signature or a copy, not the truth of the text
• The form of certification depends on the receiving country’s requirements
• A notarial act is often the first step before an apostille
• The original and a passport are usually required
• Foreign documents may need to be translated before certification

Common mistakes

• ✕Going to a notary without confirming the authority’s requirements
• ✕Expecting the notary to check the content of the document
• ✕Certifying a copy when the original is required
• ✕Not taking into account the language of the certification wording
• ✕Assuming that certification automatically gives recognition abroad

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