What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is a person who has been appointed by a State Government. Their primary role is to provide the public with an impartial witness when documents are signed.

What is meant by “Notarization”?

‘Notarization’ involves a Notary Public checking the identity of an individual, and his/her capacity to sign a document, e.g. a Power of Attorney. If the document is being signed on behalf of a company or a legal entity, the Notary will also need to check the signatory’s authority to act, before it can be notarised. The Notary will then affix a notarial seal on the document/s. Notarization might also be required to certify the authenticity of an official document. Depending on the end user, Blair may be able to arrange this on your behalf.

What happens to the document after the Notary authenticates it?

This will depend on the particular document in question, and the country in which it is to be presented, and the ultimate use of the document. Often the document/s will require further authentication, e.g. legalisation by Apostille at the U.S. State Department and/or the relevant Foreign Embassy. Blairs can assist you with any of these scenarios – please contact us for further information.