With the importance of notarised documents for international use, it’s worth knowing how to verify that your Notary Public is genuinely appointed. While fraud is rare in Ireland, due diligence protects you and your documents.
How Notaries Public Are Appointed in Ireland
In Ireland, a Notary Public is appointed by the Chief Justice through a formal petition to the court. The appointment requirements include:
- Legal qualification (typically a practising solicitor)
- Completion of the Diploma in Notarial Law and Practice
- Application to and approval by the Chief Justice
- The appointment is for life (unless revoked for misconduct)
This rigorous process means that every Notary Public in Ireland has been vetted and approved by the highest judicial authority in the country.
How to Verify a Notary’s Appointment
1. Faculty of Notaries Public in Ireland
The Faculty of Notaries Public in Ireland is the professional body representing Irish notaries. They maintain a register of all appointed Notaries Public and can confirm whether a specific individual holds a valid appointment. Contact them directly to verify.
2. Law Society of Ireland
If the notary is also a practising solicitor (as most are), their status can be verified through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor service on their website. This confirms whether the person holds a current practising certificate.
3. Courts Service
Since notaries are appointed by the Chief Justice, records of appointments are held by the Courts Service.
Warning Signs of Fraud
While notarial fraud is rare in Ireland, be cautious if:
- The person has no physical office address
- They refuse to provide their full name and appointment details
- There is no physical seal on the document (only a printed image)
- Fees are dramatically below market rates
- They are willing to notarise without verifying your identity
- They cannot be found in the Faculty of Notaries Public register
- They offer to notarise documents “remotely” without meeting you
What a Genuine Notary Will Do
A properly appointed Notary Public will always:
- Meet you in person
- Verify your identity with photo ID
- Explain the document and ensure you understand it
- Use a physical seal (embossed or inked) — not a printed image
- Sign the notarial certificate by hand
- Record the act in their protocol (permanent register)
- Provide their full name and office details
Hugh Phelan’s Credentials
Hugh Phelan is a Solicitor and Notary Public practising from East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork. His credentials are fully verifiable:
- Notary Public: Appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland, commissioned for life
- Solicitor: Registered with the Law Society of Ireland
- Dual-qualified: Admitted as a solicitor in both Ireland and England & Wales
- Education: BCL from University College Cork; Diploma in Notarial Law and Practice
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I verify a Notary Public is genuine?
Check with the Faculty of Notaries Public in Ireland, the Law Society, or the Courts Service.
What are warning signs of fraud?
No office, no seal, dramatically low fees, no identity verification, and not listed in official registers.
Is there a public register?
The Faculty of Notaries Public maintains a register. The Law Society’s Find a Solicitor tool also helps.
What if I discover fraud?
Report to An Garda Síochána and the Faculty of Notaries Public.
Verified, Trusted, Appointed for Life
Contact: 021-489-7134 or info@phelansolicitors.com.
Looking for a Notary Public in Cork?
Hugh Phelan is a Solicitor & Notary Public appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland.
Notary Public Cork — Book Now📞 +353-21-489-7134 · East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork