A Notary Public holds a position of trust and acts as a certifying authority. The notary witnesses and attests to the execution of certain documents using their official seal. This role has become crucial for documents that need acceptance abroad. For example, legal documents, contracts, or certifications most often need a Notary Public seal for the documents to be valid abroad. Some of the common services which are provided by a Notary Public include the following:
- Legal documents require the witness to the actual signing of the document.
- Certifying true copies of original documents
- Providing oaths and affirmations
- Preparing Notarial Certificates for use in foreign countries
- Attesting to the identities of signers
Why Might You Need a Notary Public in Singapore?
There can be any number of scenarios that may involve notarization by a Notary Public. If you are involved in international business, you may need to have contracts and other agreements notarized, as many countries will not accept these documents without notarization. Sometimes, when you go abroad for studies or apply for some kind of visa, you have to get your personal documents academic certificates, or identification documents.
Common situations that require a Notary Public are as follows:
- Application for a visa or immigration purposes
- Overseas contracts and agreements concerning business
- Overseas property transactions
- Academic qualifications certification for international applications
- Legal matters concerning foreign jurisdictions
How to Engage a Notary Public in Singapore
Engaging a Notary Public in Singapore is straightforward. However, understanding the steps and Notary Publics fees and how to engage will make the process even easier. Below is a guide to help you engage a Notary Publics with ease.
- Identify the Documents That Require Notarization
Before taking the services of a Notary Public, it is important to identify which documents need notarization. It may be a contract, legal certification, or other official paperwork that you already possess with you. Doing so would ensure that the Notary Public processes your request smoothly.
- Find a Registered Notary Public
In Singapore, senior lawyers appointed by the Board of Commissioners for Oaths and Notaries Public usually serve as Notary Publics. You can find a list of registered Notary Publics through the Singapore Academy of Law. You may also search for options online or ask legal professionals for recommendations.
- Set an Appointment
Once you have identified a Notary Publics, then you need to set up an appointment. This is where you will tell them about the documents you want notarized. Some Notary Publics would even ask you to send scanned copies of your documents in advance for review before your visit or appointment.
- Attend the Notarization Session
During the notarization session, bring the original documents. The Notary Publics will verify your identity and assess the document’s credibility before witnessing your signature or certifying the copy. You may need to sign in their presence for validation.
- Pay Applicable Notary Public Fee
Notarization services are not free in Singapore; the fee is charged based on the kind of document, among other services you seek. It is always best to confirm what your Notary Publics fees will be before the appointment.
Notary Public Fees in Singapore
Understanding the fees charged by Notary Publics in Singapore helps you know what to expect from their services and prevents any surprises. Moreover, the Singapore Academy of Law regulates these fees and provides standard charge guidelines.
Salient Points Notary Public Fees
- Witnessing Signature: This is a service of witnessing the signing of a document.
- Certified True Copies: The issue fee for a certificate of true copy document depends on the number of pages in the document.
- Notarial Certificates: There are several different fees for issuing a Notarial Certificate, which is required for documents that will be used internationally.
- Other Services: Other services, such as oaths administering and issuing declarations, have other different fees.
Additional Costs
Sometimes you will need to legalize the notarized documents through the MFA or the concerned foreign embassy. Moreover, these processes shall need extra expenses, and you should hence consider it in your total expenses.
Tips for Engaging a Notary Public
The following are some things you should ensure you do or can do to ensure that it will be a seamless process when engaging a Notary Public in Singapore. Below are some useful tips.
- Ensure You Have All Essential Documents
Make sure that before you go to see the Notary Publics, you have all the original documents, identification, and any other material that may be required for the notarization process. Being properly prepared saves time and prevents any potential hitches in the process.
- Check the Credentials of the Notary Public
Verify the Notary Public’s credential status before booking an appointment to ensure you are dealing with a qualified and registered professional. You can easily verify it through the website of the Singapore Academy of Law.
- Know the Fees in Advance
Notary Public charges are standardized, but it’s always wise to check the fees beforehand. Doing so helps you avoid unexpected charges and manage your budget effectively.
- Budget for Added Services
If your documents require legalization or authentication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a foreign embassy, you have to allocate more time and budget for that. A few Notary Publics will provide these services as part of a package and thus save you time.
- Keep a Copy for Your Records
Once these documents bear the notarial seal, ensure that you also keep a copy for your records. This is very important, especially in legal documents, contracts, or agreements that you might want to refer to later on.
Conclusion
Notarization in general involves the services of a Notary Publics in Singapore, be it in the processing of either legal or international documents. This may be witnessing a signature, certifying a copy, or even preparing a notarial certificate-the process is relatively simple. However, a better understanding of the fees charged by a Notary Public and how to engage them will go a long way in ensuring this encounter is as smooth and efficient as it should be. The tips and guidelines above will help ensure that your documents are properly notarized without any complications arising in the process.
Lastly, for your next notarization, approach an authorized Notary Public with all the necessary documents and remuneration.
