The integrity of the Irish notarial system depends on being able to verify that a notary public is genuinely appointed and authorised to act. The Register of Notaries Public in Ireland provides this assurance, serving as the official record of all persons holding a notarial commission. This article explains how the register works, who maintains it, and how the public can use it.
Who Maintains the Register?
The primary register of notaries public in Ireland is maintained by the Faculty of Notaries Public in Ireland. The Faculty is the professional body for all notaries public in the State and operates under the oversight of the Chief Justice.
In addition, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) maintains records of notarial seals and signatures for the purpose of verifying them when processing apostille applications. This provides a second, independent system of verification.
What Information Does the Register Contain?
The register records essential information about each notary public, including:
- Full name of the notary
- Practice address where the notary conducts notarial business
- Date of appointment by the Chief Justice
- Seal impression — a specimen of the notary's unique seal
- Signature specimen — a sample of the notary's official signature
- Legal qualifications held by the notary
- Status — whether the notary is active, retired, or deceased
The Purpose of the Register
The register serves several important functions:
- Public protection: It allows the public to verify that a person claiming to be a notary public is genuinely appointed
- International verification: Foreign authorities can confirm the credentials of an Irish notary through the Faculty or through the apostille system
- Professional regulation: The register supports the Faculty's role in maintaining professional standards
- Historical record: It preserves a permanent record of all appointments, providing institutional continuity
How to Verify a Notary's Credentials
If you need to verify that someone is a genuine notary public in Ireland, you have several options:
- Contact the Faculty of Notaries Public in Ireland — they can confirm whether a person is on the register as an active notary public
- Check with the Law Society of Ireland — since most notaries are also solicitors, the Law Society can confirm their legal qualifications and practising status
- Request an apostille — when the Department of Foreign Affairs issues an apostille on a notarised document, it is independently verifying that the notary's seal and signature are genuine
The Notary's Own Protocol
In addition to the central register, each notary maintains their own protocol — a chronological register of every notarial act they perform. This is a separate but complementary record system. The protocol is the notary's personal record; the central register is the Faculty's institutional record.
When a notary retires or dies, their protocol must be surrendered to the Faculty, ensuring that the records of their notarial acts are preserved permanently.
Registration and the Department of Foreign Affairs
When a notary is first appointed, their seal impression and signature specimen are lodged with the DFA. This is essential because the DFA's Apostille Office must be able to verify the authenticity of any notary's seal and signature when issuing an apostille.
If a notary changes their seal (which is rare), the new seal must also be registered with the DFA. This ensures there is always an up-to-date record for verification purposes.
Differences from Other Countries
The Irish registration system differs from those in some other jurisdictions:
- United States: Most states maintain publicly searchable online databases of notaries. Ireland does not currently have a public online search facility, though verification is available through the Faculty.
- Civil law countries: In many European countries, notaries are registered as public officials with the Ministry of Justice. In Ireland, registration is through the Faculty under the oversight of the Chief Justice.
- England & Wales: Notaries are registered with the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, similar to Ireland's Faculty of Notaries Public.
The Importance of Using a Registered Notary
Using a properly registered notary public is essential because:
- Documents notarised by an unregistered or fraudulent person will not be accepted by foreign authorities
- The DFA will not issue an apostille for a document that does not bear a recognised notarial seal
- Foreign courts and government agencies rely on the register to verify the authenticity of Irish notarial acts
- Professional indemnity insurance only covers acts performed by properly registered notaries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an official register of notaries public in Ireland?
Yes. The Faculty of Notaries Public in Ireland maintains the register. The DFA also maintains records of notarial seals for apostille verification.
How can I verify that someone is a genuine notary public in Ireland?
Contact the Faculty of Notaries Public in Ireland. The Law Society can also confirm solicitor qualifications. The DFA verifies seals when processing apostilles.
How many notaries public are there in Ireland?
Ireland has a relatively small number of notaries public compared to many other countries, reflecting the specialist nature of the office and the rigorous qualification requirements.
Contact a Registered Notary Public in Cork
Hugh Phelan is a registered Notary Public appointed by the Chief Justice, practising from East Douglas Street, Douglas, Co. Cork. Contact his office at 021-489-7134 or email info@phelansolicitors.com.