One of the most important parts of any notarisation is identity verification. A Notary Public is required to confirm that you are who you claim to be before performing any notarial act — whether that is witnessing your signature, certifying a copy, or administering an oath. This guide explains what identification you need to bring to your notary appointment in Ireland.
Why Is Identity Verification Required?
The Notary Public's core function is to authenticate documents for use abroad. Foreign authorities rely on the notary's confirmation that the person who signed the document is genuinely who they claim to be. If the notary did not properly verify identity, the entire system of international document authentication would be undermined.
Identity verification is not a formality — it is a fundamental part of the notarial act. The notary records the type of identification used in their notarial certificate and protocol, creating a permanent record.
Accepted Forms of Identification
Primary ID (Preferred)
- Valid passport: This is the gold standard for notarial identity verification. A current, valid passport is accepted universally and is the form of ID most commonly expected by foreign authorities. If you have a passport, bring it.
- Irish Passport Card: Accepted as equivalent to a passport for EU/EEA travel, and generally accepted for notarisation purposes.
Secondary ID (Acceptable with Proof of Address)
- Full Irish driving licence (with photo) — generally accepted, ideally paired with another form of ID or proof of address.
- National Age Card (Garda-issued photo ID).
- EU/EEA national identity card — for non-Irish EU/EEA citizens.
Not Generally Acceptable as Primary ID
- Expired passports or ID cards
- Student ID cards
- Work ID badges
- Library cards
- Photocopies of any ID
Proof of Address
In addition to photo ID, the notary may require proof of your current address. Acceptable documents include:
- Utility bill (electricity, gas, phone, broadband) — dated within the last 3 months
- Bank or building society statement — dated within the last 3 months
- Revenue correspondence — dated within the last 12 months
- Social welfare correspondence — dated within the last 12 months
The proof of address should show your name and current residential address and be from an official or institutional source.
What If I Don't Have a Passport?
If you do not have a valid passport, contact the notary's office before your appointment. Explain what ID you do have, and the notary can advise whether it will be sufficient for your particular notarisation.
In some cases, alternative arrangements may be possible:
- Using a combination of secondary ID documents
- Having your identity confirmed by a person known to the notary
- Providing additional supporting documents
However, for documents intended for use abroad, a valid passport is strongly recommended. Some foreign authorities may reject notarised documents if the notary did not verify identity using a passport.
Special Situations
Corporate Signatories
If you are signing a document on behalf of a company, you will need your personal ID plus evidence of your authority to act for the company (board resolution, letter of authority, certificate of incorporation, etc.).
Non-Irish Nationals
If you are not an Irish citizen, bring your national passport. EU/EEA national identity cards may also be accepted. For non-EU nationals, a valid passport is essential.
Name Changes
If your name has changed since your ID was issued (e.g., due to marriage), bring supporting documentation such as your marriage certificate or deed poll.
Tips for a Smooth Appointment
- Check your passport expiry: Ensure your passport is current and not expired.
- Bring originals: Photocopies are not acceptable — bring original documents.
- Prepare proof of address: Have a recent utility bill or bank statement ready.
- Call ahead if unsure: If you have any doubts about your ID, contact the office before your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a driving licence instead of a passport?
A full Irish driving licence with photo is generally acceptable for notarisation, but a passport is strongly preferred — especially for documents going abroad. Some foreign authorities may not accept documents notarised without passport verification.
What if my passport has expired?
An expired passport is generally not acceptable as primary ID. You may need to renew your passport or bring alternative identification. Contact the notary's office to discuss your situation.
Do I need proof of address as well as photo ID?
In many cases, yes. The notary may require proof of address in addition to photo ID, particularly for anti-money laundering compliance. Bring a recent utility bill or bank statement to be safe.
Can someone else bring my documents to the notary?
No. You must attend in person. The notary must verify your identity face-to-face — that is a fundamental requirement of notarisation.
Ready for Your Appointment?
Contact Hugh Phelan's office to book your notarisation appointment. Call 021-489-7134 or email info@phelansolicitors.com.
Looking for a Notary Public in Cork?
Hugh Phelan is a Solicitor & Notary Public appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland. Same-day appointments available.
Notary Public Cork — Book Now📞 +353-21-489-7134 · East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork