Seeing a Notary

Make An Appointment

Do not arrive at the Notary’s office without an appointment. The Notary may not be there or may not be able to attend to your business immediately. Telephone the Notary’s Secretary in advance to check the Notary’s availability and ask for an appointment. By making an appointment you will avoid being disappointed. Leave your telephone number with the Notary’s Secretary so you can be contacted if the Notary becomes available at an earlier time or if a difficulty should arise. Turn up for your appointment on time and bring all necessary papers with you.

Proof of Identity

Notarising a document today requires the same anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering formalities as apply on opening a new bank account. The rules are very strict. You must satisfactorily prove your identity and place of residence and the Notary must keep the identification records for five years. This process has to be repeated every time you go to the Notary unless you have been with the same Notary within the previous three months.

Complete the Documents

Fill in all the gaps in the documentation to the best of your ability beforehand. If you are unsure and need guidance, the Notary will help you if he/she can. Please do not present yourself to the Notary and then commence filling in a lengthy form. It is a waste of the Notary’s time; it may be stressful for you, and you may make a mistake under pressure.

Understanding the Documents

It is your responsibility to ensure that you understand the document you intend to sign and have notarised. The Notary will question you as regards your understanding of the nature and purpose of the document and will not notarise it if you cannot give the notary that assurance. If the document is highly technical e.g. a Building Agreement or Power of Attorney or is in a language you do not understand, have it explained beforehand to you by someone you trust.

Take whatever legal or other advice you need before going to the Notary. The Notary is normally only concerned with the verification of your identity, your name, your address, your signature, and your ability in a general way to understand the document. The contents of the documents, their meaning and effect, and whether you are wise to sign them, are all your responsibility.

E-Mail / Fax - When to?

Do not e-mail or fax documents to the Notary in advance of your appointment, unless the Notary specifically asks you to do so. If the Notary wants to clarify a specific point which it is anticipated may cause subsequent difficulty, he/she will ask you for further information.