What is a Notary Public?

In New Zealand, a Notary Public (also referred to as a ‘notary’ or ‘public notary’) is a senior lawyer officially appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury in England. In providing their services, notaries are mainly concerned with documents to be used overseas.

A Notary Public can issue a Notarial Certificate to certify, for example, that the person stated in the document has signed the document in the Notary's presence. A Notary Public can also confirm in the Notarial Certificate that he or she has compared a copy of a document with the original and has found the former to be a true copy.

Our notarial functions include:

• Officially witnessing signatures on legal documents

• Collecting sworn statements

• Administering oaths and declarations; and

• Certifying the authenticity of legal documents.

An embossing seal is used by the Notary Public to verify their presence at the time of the signing of the document(s).

After notarisation, some documents may need to be sent to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) in Wellington to be apostilled or authenticated, depending on the overseas country in which the document is to be used. Apostilles and authentications (also known as ‘legalisation’) certify that the signature, stamp or seal on a document is genuine.

What is the difference between a Notary Public and a Justice of the Peace?

In New Zealand, the main difference between a Notary Public and Justice of the Peace (JP) arises in their scope of services and legal authority. For example, a Notary Public is able to authenticate documents for use within New Zealand and overseas. A JP is generally only able to provide services in relation to documents to be used domestically within New Zealand, as they are not typically recognised for international document authentication.

How much will it cost to have my documents notarised?

Fees for notarial services depend on the complexity and volume of documents involved. Our fees range from $80 to $150 (plus GST) for notarising the first document, and a lesser fee applies for each additional document.

We are not able to provide quotes via email or phone without first seeing the documents and discussing the requirements with you.

Payments can be made via cash or bank transfer and must be paid at the time of notarisation.

What if my documents are in a foreign language?

The Notary Public’s role is to identify the individual signing and witness their signature. Provided that the person signing the document is able to confirm that they understand the language (and the effect of the document they are signing), the Notary Public is not required to understand the language of the document. The name of the person executing the document must be written in English on the document and exactly match the person’s photo identification.

How can I make an appointment?

Please call to make an appointment with our Notary Public. Our Notary Public is available to meet you at either of the following two convenient CBD locations in Auckland City:

• Level 1, 16 Waverley Street, Auckland CBD

• Ground Floor, 8 Albert Street, Auckland CBD.

If you need to reschedule, please advise us at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment.

What do I need to bring to my appointment?

• Each person signing the documents must bring a current government issued form of photo identification - preferably a valid passport. The name of each person executing the document must exactly match the name on the identification. If there is any other specific identity document referred to in your document being notarised, please bring this as well.

• The relevant documents requiring notarising.

• Any specific instructions you have been given (for example, from the overseas authority) about the form, nature or execution of the notarisation.

• For legal documents needing to be signed and officially witnessed in New Zealand for overseas use, please note that all of the required information must be filled out - except for your signature. You will sign the document in the presence of the Notary Public who will then complete the witnessing process and attach his Notarial Certificate and official seal to the document. If you are unsure of the form or content of the document, please confirm with the relevant overseas authority prior to attending your appointment.

• The originals of any legal documents needing to be certified as true and correct copies.

What if I have further questions?

Please feel free to ask us any further questions you may have via our Contact Us page, or alternatively, email or call us using our contact information below.