Notary Public and Notarial Services

The signing requirements for notarial documents depend on the destination country. In some cases, the document must be signed only in the presence of a Notary Public, while other countries may require additional witnesses to be present alongside the Notary Public.

Once the document has been notarised, further steps may be required for international recognition. These include
Apostille certification by the High Court of South Africa (for countries part of the Hague Apostille Convention).
Authentication or legalisation by the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) or other relevant government offices (for countries not part of the Hague Convention).

The specific process will depend on the type of document and its intended destination. To ensure compliance, consult with a Notary Public familiar with international requirements

A notarised copy of a document is a verified true copy of the original. Notarisation serves as a legal safeguard to prevent fraud and confirm the document's authenticity. It is commonly required for legal proceedings, international transactions, business agreements, immigration processes, and property transfers.

A Notary Public is an attorney admitted and authorised by the High Court of South Africa to witness signatures, draft and attest contracts or statements, and authenticate the validity of certain documents.  

Notaries are held to a higher standard of care than regular attorneys due to the ethical nature of their work and their specialised expertise in drafting and legalising important documents. As a result, the role of a Notary Public is highly regarded and trusted in legal and official matters.

*Certified Copy A certified copy is a copy of an original document that is verified by a Commissioner of Oaths in South Africa. The Commissioner of Oaths stamps and endorses the copy to confirm that it is a true copy of the original document.  

*Notarised Copy A notarised copy is a copy of an original document that is authenticated by a Notary Public. The Notary Public verifies both the original and the copy to ensure it is a **true and accurate reproduction** with no alterations. The document is then endorsed with the Notary Public’s official stamp or seal.  

In addition, the Notary Public may issue a collation certificate, confirming the authenticity of the notarised copy. This process is often required for documents that will be used internationally or in formal legal proceedings.  

If you’re unsure which option is needed for your situation, consult a Notary Public for guidance.

Notaries in South Africa handle a variety of documents, but the most commonly notarised include

• Marriage, birth, and death certificates (copies notarised as true copies of the original)
• Divorce decrees and police clearance certificates
• Powers of attorney (signed in front of the Notary)
• Identity documents, passports, and driver’s licences
• Educational qualifications (degrees, transcripts, TEFL, and TESOL certificates)
• Travel consent letters for minors (signed in front of the Notary)
• Company incorporation documents and resolutions
• Commercial contracts and foreign property transfer documents
• Affidavits, statutory declarations, and wills
• Any document requiring notarisation as a true copy of the original

The process of legalising a document depends on its type and the country where it will be used. This may include further steps like Apostille certification or authentication.
For assistance with notarising or legalising your documents, contact us today for professional guidance.

The verification of documents can often be confusing, and a simple misunderstanding or procedural error can lead to costly delays—especially when dealing with court processes or embassy requirements. We simplify this process by providing expert advice and assistance, ensuring everything is handled correctly and efficiently.

As a Johannesburg-based law firm, we offer a wide range of specialised legal services to both individual and corporate clients. Our expertise spans areas such as family law, criminal law, civil litigation, corporate and commercial law, and intellectual property and trademark law.

We are committed to providing professional advice and representation in a friendly and welcoming environment where your needs come first.

Contact us today to arrange a consultation and let us assist you with your legal matters.