When this service may be right
Notarisation may concern a signature, copy or other fact. The exact act must match the recipient’s requirement. What matters is not only the name of the service, but which fact the recipient wants certified and the form in which the document must be submitted.
Important for this particular case
Ask the recipient to specify whether they need a notarised copy, notarised signature or a particular statement. These three requests can require different checks, different originals and, in some cases, personal attendance.
What is checked before you start
A good initial review catches the wrong document version, missing signatures and unclear language requirements before they cause extra cost or delay. Include the recipient’s exact wording if you have it.
- The issuing body, date and completeness of the document
- Destination country and type of recipient
- Original, certified copy or digital document
- Signature, witnesses, seal and language
How the case proceeds
Start with a legible copy and the key case details. After review, you receive a document list and the correct sequence: what to obtain, whether anything must be signed before a notary public, when translation should take place and whether an original needs to be sent. Official certifications are performed by the relevant competent provider.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not sign a power of attorney in advance if the signature must be witnessed. Do not order a translation until you know which document version will be used. Do not send an irreplaceable original without instructions, a return address and tracked delivery.
