In Singapore, a Notary Public is a qualified lawyer who is appointed by the Singapore Academy of Law and authorised by the Singapore Ministry of Law to perform certain legal formalities. To become a Notary Public the lawyer must have at least 15 years of continuous legal practice in Singapore and have been appointed by the Board of Commissioners for Oaths and Notaries Public in order to legally provide Notary services.
The primary function of a Notary Public is to verify and authenticate the execution of documents, administer oaths, and certify copies of original documents.
Some common tasks performed by a Notary Public in Singapore include:
- Notarisation of documents: This involves witnessing the signing of documents and verifying the identity of the signatories. The Notary Public ensures that the document is properly executed and legally binding.
- Certification of true copies: A Notary Public can certify that a copy of an original document is a true and accurate reproduction of the original.
- Administering oaths and affirmations: A Notary Public can administer oaths or affirmations required for various legal purposes, such as affidavits or statutory declarations.
- Authenticating documents for use abroad: If you need to use a Singaporean document overseas, a Notary Public can authenticate it by attaching an official seal and signature. This process is known as notarisation or notarial certification.
It’s important to note that a Notary Public’s authority is limited to matters of Singapore law and not the laws of other countries. The services provided by a Notary Public are aimed at ensuring the authenticity, integrity, and reliability of legal documents for use in foreign jurisdictions.
