Who is a notary and what are their duties?

In our daily life, we use many types of documents or contracts that require authentication to ensure that they are legally accepted and free from forgery or fraud. One of the key players in this process is: “Notary” or “Document Certifier”

Meaning of Notary

Notary It is a person appointed by the government to act as an inspector of documents or legal procedures to ensure compliance with legal requirements. Mostly, they act in legal transactions such as:

  • Contract making
  • Signing of documents
  • Financial document certification

In some countries, such as United States or Europe Notaries play an intermediary role in legal transactions or financial business operations.

Duties of a Notary

  1. Notarization of Signature
    • Verify the identity of the signer using identification documents such as an ID card or passport.
    • Verify that the signature is voluntary and not coerced.
    • Stamp a notary seal to verify that the signature is genuine.
  2. Certified Copy
    • Compare the copied document with the original to verify its accuracy.
    • Certify that the copy is true to the original.
  3. Witness oaths or affirmations (Oaths & Affirmations)
    • Act as a witness in cases where testimony or legal facts must be given.
  4. Document Certification for Use Abroad (Apostille & Legalization)
    • Make documents effective abroad through Apostille (International Document Certification)
    • If the country is not a party to the convention Hague Convention Process may be required Legalization (Document certification through the embassy)

Notaries in Thailand

In Thailand, there is none. Notary Public Similar to the US or Europe, but with similar people performing similar functions:
“Notarial Services Attorney” Which is authorized by The Lawyers Council of Thailand

Qualifications of a notary public

  • Is a lawyer who has passed the course “A lawyer who certifies signatures and documents.”
  • Licensed by the Bar Council
  • No history of dishonest misconduct

The purpose of notary certification

  1. To verify the identity of the signer – Check your identification documents such as passports and national ID cards.
  2. To confirm your willingness – Make sure that the signature is voluntary and not coerced.
  3. To prevent document forgery – Help verify the accuracy of documents
  4. To be used as legal evidence – Certified documents can be used as evidence in legal cases.
  5. To be used for international transactions – Such as sales contracts, power of attorney
  6. To ensure that documents are accepted abroad - pass Apostille or Legalization

summarize

Notaries play an important role in certifying documents and legal transactions to ensure the credibility of the documents and their use in legal proceedings or abroad.

In Thailand, there is none. Notary Public But there is “A lawyer who certifies signatures and documents.” which have similar roles. If you want to use a document certification service, you should check that the lawyer is registered with Lawyers Council Or not, and if the documents are required abroad, they may need to be certified in addition to Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Embassy Of the destination country

Written by Mr. Thanadon Phonlajim