Notarial Services
What a Notary Public Does and When You Need One
Some documents carry extra legal weight and must be signed before a notary public. Many people only hear the term when they are asked for a notarised document.
This guide explains what a notary public does in South Africa and the situations where you are likely to need one.
Who a notary public is
A notary public is an attorney who has passed a further examination and been admitted to practise as a notary. A notary has special authority to prepare, attest and authenticate certain documents.
Because a notary attests a document, it carries added formality and credibility, which is why some documents must be notarised to be valid or accepted.
What notaries commonly do
- Attesting antenuptial contracts and postnuptial notarial contracts.
- Preparing and registering certain notarial deeds, such as some servitudes and long leases.
- Authenticating documents and signatures, including for use in other countries.
- Certifying copies and attesting affidavits and declarations in certain cases.
Need a document notarised or authenticated?
Use our registered notary publicDocuments for use abroad
If you need to use a South African document overseas, it often has to be authenticated first. A notary can authenticate the document, which is then typically legalised for international use.
For countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostille is issued so the document is recognised abroad without further legalisation.
When you are likely to need a notary
Common examples include signing an antenuptial contract before marriage, registering certain property-related deeds, and authenticating documents such as powers of attorney for use in another country.
If you are asked for a notarised or authenticated document, a notary can prepare or attest it correctly so it is accepted.
Need a notary in South Africa?
Contact our notary public for authentication and notarial services