FAQs
What is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public is a senior lawyer with at least 15 years of experience practicing in Singapore, be at least 40 years old, and who has been appointed and approved to act as a Notary Public by the Senate of Singapore Academy of Law, as per the Notaries Public Rules of Singapore. The Notaries Public Act Chapter 208, Section 8 sets out the rules with regards to the regulation of the services that the Notary Public undertakes. The Notary Public acts as an independent and neutral party, performing the function of notarising documents for overseas usage. Overseas institution such as foreign banks, government agencies, educational sector and lawyers may require the assurance that the documents submitted are certified as genuine and properly executed.
With effect from 17th February 2017, it is compulsory for a Notary Public under the amended Notary Public Rules to issue a Notarial Certificate for all documents witnessed or certified. Therefore, some time is required to prepare the certificate (especially if witnessing signatures).
Why can't I collect my documents immediately?
Why do I have to pay for a Notarial Certificate when I don't need it?
With effect from 17th February 2017, it is compulsory for a Notary Public under the amended Notary Public Rules to issue a Notarial Certificate for all documents witnessed or certified, even if you are not submitting your document(s) to a foreign Embassy or the foreign recipient does not require such Notarial Certificate.
Why do I have to pay the SAL authentication fees when I do not require it?
The Singapore Academy of Law (Amendment) Rules 2019 and Notaries Public (Amendment) Rules 2019, which took effect on 1 October 2019, the Notarial Certificate can only be issued via SAL’s e-Register upon payment of the authentication fee of $87.20 (as of 1 Jan 2024). We are obliged to collect this sum on SAL's behalf. This procedure is required even if you are not submitting your document(s) to a foreign Embassy or the foreign recipient does not require SAL authentication.
How do I "execute a document before a Notary Public"?
Bring the document that you are required to sign as well as your identification document [e.g. NRIC/passport] . Do not pre-sign the document as you must sign the document to be notarised in the presence of the Notary Public, after the Notary Public has confirmed that you understand the contents of the document.
How do I obtain a "certified true copy" of a document?
Bring the original document together with a photocopy of the document to the Notary Public. The Notary Public will compare the photocopied document with the original to verify its authenticity before certifying it as a true copy.
Can a Notary Public execute statutory declarations for Singapore?
No. Notary Publics in Singapore are not empowered to witness such documents (i.e. affadavits). A comissioner for oaths is requried to sign such documents.
What do I bring if I am signing on behalf of a company?
Depending on the document to be signed, it is usual to bring along the ACRA search of the Company, the M&A, any board resolutions authorising you to sign on behalf of the Company, the Company Stamp / Seal (as the case may be) and your ID.
What is Legalisation?
Some countries (e.g. Middle Eastern) require documents to be legalised before it will be accepted. To legalise a document, it must first be notarised, then authenticated / legalised by the Singapore Academy of Law then by the relevant embassy. We do not provide authentication / legalisation services to the embassy but if required will hand it over to the law firm Ravindran Associates LLP to administer. Please note that additional charges will be incurred.