What Is Notarization?

Notarization is a legal act performed by a notary public authorized by law. Its purpose is to ensure the authenticity, legality, and validity of documents, agreements, or declarations. By certifying the legality of specific documents or actions, notarization gives them legal effect, making them admissible as evidence in court and recognized by other legal or administrative bodies in the event of future disputes.

Key Functions of Notarization:

1. Verification of Authenticity

The notary confirms the truthfulness of the document or declaration, ensures all signatures and seals are made willingly by the parties involved, and verifies that the document was not signed under duress, fraud, or coercion.

2. Legal Validity

Notarized documents carry legal weight and can be used as valid evidence by courts, government agencies, financial institutions, and other authorities.

3. Enforceability of Contracts

Notarization helps prevent contract breaches and disputes by strengthening the legal enforceability of agreements, contracts, and other related documents.

4. Risk Prevention

Notarization ensures that all parties fully understand their legal rights and obligations before signing, thus minimizing potential legal risks and future disputes.

Common Types of Notarization Services:

● Personal Identity Notarization: birth certificates, identity documents, certificates of no criminal record.

● Contract Notarization: real estate purchase agreements, loan contracts, employment contracts.

● Declarations and Powers of Attorney: wills, powers of attorney, authorization letters.

● International Document Notarization: notarization of documents for study abroad, immigration, overseas business or investment.

● Property Notarization: property transfers, gift agreements, divorce settlements.

Types of Notarization:

● Document Notarization: Verifies the content and legal validity of written documents such as contracts, wills, and declarations.

● Act Notarization: Certifies the legal occurrence of specific actions, such as signing a contract.

● Signature Notarization: Verifies the identity of the signatory and the authenticity of their signature.

● Translation Notarization: Confirms the accuracy and completeness of translated documents, especially foreign-language texts.

Steps to Apply for Notarization

1. Prepare Required Documents

Gather all necessary materials based on the type of notarization needed—such as valid identification, supporting documents, contracts, and declarations.

2. Select a Qualified Notary

Choose a notary public or notary office authorized by the relevant government or judicial authority to perform notarization services.

3. Undergo the Notarization Process

The notary will verify the identity of the parties involved, review the documents, and confirm their legality and authenticity before signing and stamping them.

4. Obtain the Notarized Document

Upon completion, the notary will issue a formal notarized certificate or document, confirming the legal validity of the content.

5. Legal Effect of Notarization

Notarized documents are recognized as legally valid in most countries and regions. They are especially critical for cross-border transactions, immigration, overseas education, and other international legal or administrative procedures.

Important: In some cases, notarized documents may require consular legalization or an Apostille (under the Hague Convention) for use in other countries.

Additional Notes

Notarization Fees

Fees vary depending on the country or region, and are generally calculated based on the number or type of notarized items.

Specific Requirements

In most cases, the applicant must appear in person to sign the document in front of the notary, ensuring the authenticity and voluntary nature of the signature.

Language Requirements

For international use, documents may need to be translated by a certified translator and notarized accordingly.

Notarization offers a secure and legally recognized mechanism to ensure the enforceability and credibility of documents, contracts, and declarations.

If you require notarization services or need guidance on the notarization process in a specific country, please contact us for more information.