What Is a Notarial Certificate?

When a Notary Public notarises a document, they attach or include a notarial certificate — the formal statement that records exactly what the notary did, when they did it, and for whom. The notarial certificate is the element that gives a notarised document its legal authority and international recognition. This guide explains what a notarial certificate is, what it contains, and when you need one.

What Is a Notarial Certificate?

A notarial certificate is a written statement made by a Notary Public that records the details of the notarial act performed. It is the Notary Public's official record that they have verified the identity of the person appearing before them, witnessed the signing of a document, administered an oath, or performed another notarial act.

The certificate is typically attached to or endorsed upon the document being notarised. Combined with the notary's official seal and signature, it transforms an ordinary document into one that carries legal weight in foreign jurisdictions around the world.

Think of the notarial certificate as the notary's formal testimony — a declaration by a public officer, appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland, that certain facts are true and that certain formalities were observed.

What Does a Notarial Certificate Contain?

While the exact wording varies depending on the type of notarial act, a notarial certificate in Ireland typically includes:

• The notary's name and title: Confirming they are a duly appointed Notary Public.
• Appointment details: That they were appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland and practise at a stated address.
• Description of the act: What the notary did — witnessed a signature, certified a copy, administered an oath, or other act.
• Identity of the person: The name of the individual who appeared before the notary and how their identity was verified (typically by passport).
• Date and place: When and where the notarial act took place.
• The notary's official seal: The unique embossed or ink seal that identifies the notary. This seal is registered and internationally recognised.
• The notary's signature: The personal signature of the Notary Public.

Some notarial certificates also include a reference number, which the notary records in their official protocol or register — a permanent record of all notarial acts performed.

Types of Notarial Certificates

Different notarial acts require different types of certificates. The most common include:

Certificate of Authenticity of Signature

This certifies that the notary witnessed the named person sign a document. It confirms the person's identity and that they signed freely and voluntarily. This is the most common type of notarial certificate.

Certificate of a Certified (Notarial) Copy

This certifies that the notary has compared a copy of a document to the original and confirms it is a true and accurate copy. Commonly used for passports, degree certificates, birth certificates, and other official documents.

Certificate of an Oath or Affirmation

This certifies that the notary administered an oath or affirmation to the person appearing before them, and that the person swore or affirmed the truth of the contents of a document. This is similar to a jurat.

Certificate of Attestation

This certifies that the notary attested to certain facts — for example, that a person is alive (proof of life), holds a particular office, or has a specific status.

Certificate Authenticating a Document

This certifies the authenticity of a document for use in a foreign country. It may accompany corporate documents, government-issued documents, or other official papers.

When Do You Need a Notarial Certificate?

You need a notarial certificate whenever a document is required to be notarised. Common situations include:

• Documents for use abroad: Property purchases, visa applications, inheritance claims, and business transactions in foreign countries.
• Powers of attorney: International powers of attorney granting someone authority to act on your behalf in another country.
• Certified copies for foreign authorities: Copies of passports, degrees, and other documents required by foreign governments, universities, or employers.
• Sworn statements for foreign proceedings: Affidavits or declarations for use in foreign courts or legal proceedings.
• Corporate documents: Board resolutions, articles of association, and company documents for international use.

How to Get a Notarial Certificate

The process for obtaining a notarial certificate is straightforward:

1. Contact the Notary Public: Explain what you need and for which country. This allows the notary to advise you on the correct form of certificate.
2. Attend in person: You must appear before the Notary Public in person. Bring the document to be notarised (unsigned if it requires your signature), valid identification (passport preferred), and any instructions from the requesting party.
3. The notarial act: The notary verifies your identity, reviews the document, performs the required act (witnessing your signature, certifying a copy, etc.), and prepares the notarial certificate.
4. Sealing and signing: The notary affixes their official seal and signature to the certificate.
5. Collection: You receive the completed document with the notarial certificate attached.

After You Receive the Notarial Certificate

Depending on the destination country, you may need to take additional steps after notarisation:

• Apostille: If the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, you will need an apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs to authenticate the notarial certificate.
• Embassy or consular legalisation: If the destination country is not a Hague Convention member, you may need the document legalised by the relevant embassy or consulate.
• Translation: Some countries require a certified translation of the notarial certificate into the local language.

Your Notary Public can advise you on what further steps are needed for your specific situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What information does a notarial certificate contain?

A notarial certificate typically contains the notary's name and appointment details, a description of the notarial act performed, the date and place, the identity of the person appearing, and the notary's official seal and signature.

Is a notarial certificate the same as a notarised document?

Not exactly. The notarial certificate is the statement added by the Notary Public to confirm what act was performed. A notarised document is the complete package — the original document plus the notarial certificate, seal, and signature.

Do I need an apostille on my notarial certificate?

It depends on the destination country. If the country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs will authenticate the notarial certificate. If not, you may need embassy or consular legalisation instead.

How much does a notarial certificate cost in Cork?

Fees vary depending on the type and complexity of the notarial act. Contact Hugh Phelan's office at 021-489-7134 for a specific quote.

Need a Notarial Certificate?

Contact Hugh Phelan's office today to discuss your requirements. We can advise on the correct type of notarial certificate for your situation and prepare your documents promptly. Call 021-489-7134 or email info@phelansolicitors.com.