Notary Public Services in Ireland
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Demand for notary public services on ShamFix is high, and at most one provider is listed.
What shapes the price of notary public services
- Notary public fees in Ireland are not set by law, so the price depends on the work involved.
- Most notaries charge a fixed fee per document or per notarial act, but some charge an hourly rate for complex or lengthy matters.
- Factors that affect the price include the number of documents, whether the document is straightforward or requires legal advice, the need for certified copies, and whether an apostille or consular legalisation is involved.
- Travel to a hospital, nursing home, or office may add a call-out charge.
- Urgent or out-of-hours appointments often attract a higher fee.
- You should also ask what is not included: translation costs, courier fees, Department of Foreign Affairs apostille fees, consular fees, and any additional copies.
- Some notaries include a brief verification of identity in the fixed fee; others charge separately for each signature witnessed.
- If you are signing on behalf of a company, the notary may need to review constitutional documents, which can increase the fee.
- Always request a written quote or a letter of engagement before the work begins.
- That letter should set out the scope, the fee, and any anticipated disbursements.
- If the document is rejected by the receiving authority, additional work may be needed, which could lead to further charges.
- Ask about this in advance.
- For multiple documents, ask whether there is a reduced rate per document.
- For simple copy certification, the fee is usually lower than for a full notarial certificate.
- If you need advice on the legal effect of the document, that is a separate service and may be charged at an hourly rate.
- Remember that the notary is a regulated professional, and the fee reflects their time, expertise, and professional indemnity insurance.
How long notary public services takes
The time it takes to complete a notary public service depends on the type of document and the destination country. A simple certified copy or witnessed signature can often be done in a single appointment of fifteen to thirty minutes. However, you should allow time for the notary to review the document beforehand, especially if it is lengthy or in a foreign language. For a full notarial certificate, the notary may need to draft the wording, which can take a day or more. If an apostille is required from the Department of Foreign Affairs, add several working days for processing and postage. Consular legalisation can take longer, sometimes weeks, depending on the embassy or consulate. Translation of documents can add further time. If you need to provide additional evidence, such as a company resolution or a power of attorney, the timeline stretches. Urgent appointments are sometimes possible for an extra fee, but not all notaries offer this. Public holidays and peak periods, such as summer or the end of the tax year, can also affect availability. The notary will give you an estimate when you book. Always confirm whether the timeline includes the apostille or legalisation step, as these are separate from the notarial act itself. If you are working to a deadline, tell the notary at the outset so they can advise on the fastest route. Remember that some countries require the notarial certificate to be dated within a certain period before submission, so timing matters.
What to ask before you hire
- 01When hiring a notary public, ask which professional body they are a member of.
- 02A notary public in Ireland is appointed by the Chief Justice and is usually also a solicitor or barrister, but you should still ask about their regulatory background.
- 03Request a letter of engagement that sets out the scope of work, the fee, and any disbursements.
- 04Ask whether they have experience with the specific type of document you need notarised, especially if it is for a foreign jurisdiction.
- 05For example, documents for the United States, the United Arab Emirates, or China may have particular wording requirements.
- 06Ask if they can handle the apostille or legalisation process or if you need to go to the Department of Foreign Affairs yourself.
- 07Ask what identification you need to bring and whether the document must be signed in their presence.
- 08Ask how long the appointment will take and whether you need to book in advance.
- 09If you are signing on behalf of a company, ask what evidence of authority they require.
- 10Ask about their policy on unsigned documents and whether they can advise on the correct notarial wording.
- 11Ask for a copy of their complaints procedure.
- 12If the document is urgent, ask about their turnaround time for the notarial certificate itself.
- 13Ask whether they keep copies of documents and for how long, as this may matter for data protection.
- 14Finally, ask for a written confirmation of the total cost, including any third-party fees, so there are no surprises.
- 15Do not be afraid to ask these questions; a good notary will welcome them.
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Using a notary public in Ireland
Notaries public in Ireland are appointed by the Chief Justice, and most are also practising solicitors. You need one when a document will be used abroad, for example a power of attorney for property overseas, company papers for a foreign registry, or certified passport copies for an overseas bank. After notarisation, many countries also require an apostille or legalisation from the Department of Foreign Affairs. Notaries are concentrated in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway, though most counties have one. When posting, say which country the document is for, what it is, how many signatures or copies are needed, and bring valid photo ID and proof of address.
Documents people bring to a notary
- Power of attorney for use abroad
- Certified copies of passports and IDs
- Notarised degree and qualification copies
- Company documents for overseas registries
- Affidavits and statutory declarations
- Property sale or purchase documents abroad
- Consent letters for children travelling
- Witnessing signatures on foreign forms
- Documents needing an apostille afterwards
- Translations certified for foreign authorities
Notary public services questions people ask
What is the difference between a notary public and a commissioner for oaths?
A notary public has broader powers and can authenticate documents for international use, while a commissioner for oaths mainly administers oaths and affidavits for domestic purposes. Notaries are appointed by the Chief Justice and often deal with foreign jurisdictions. For an apostille or consular legalisation, you generally need a notary public rather than a commissioner for oaths.
Do I need to sign the document before I see the notary?
No, you should not sign in advance unless the notary specifically instructs you to do so. The notary must witness your signature and confirm your identity and understanding. If you sign beforehand, the notary may not be able to certify the document, and you may need to start again. Always bring the unsigned document to the appointment.
Can a notary public in Ireland legalise a document for use in another country?
A notary can prepare the notarial certificate and, if the destination country is party to the Hague Apostille Convention, arrange or advise on obtaining an apostille from the Department of Foreign Affairs. For countries outside the convention, consular legalisation may be needed. The notary will explain the correct route for your destination.
What identification should I bring to a notary appointment?
Bring current photo identification, such as a passport or driving licence, and proof of your current address, like a recent utility bill or bank statement. If you are signing for a company, bring evidence of your authority, such as a board resolution. The notary needs to verify who you are and that you are entitled to sign.
How much does a notary public charge in Ireland?
Fees vary by notary and by the complexity of the document. A simple certified copy may cost less than a full notarial certificate for foreign use. Additional charges can apply for travel, urgent appointments, apostille handling, and translations. Always ask for a written quote or letter of engagement before the work begins so you know the total cost.
Can a notary public refuse to notarise a document?
Yes, a notary can refuse if they are not satisfied of your identity, if the document appears unlawful or incomplete, or if they have a conflict of interest. They may also refuse if the document is in a language they cannot understand. If refused, ask for the reason and whether another notary might be able to help.
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