- A notary public handles documents for use outside Singapore.
- A commissioner for oaths is usually enough for documents used in Singapore.
- Notarised documents are authenticated by the Singapore Academy of Law, often with an apostille.
- Countries outside the Apostille Convention may also require embassy legalisation.
What a notary public does
A notary public is an experienced lawyer appointed by the Board of Commissioners for Oaths and Notaries Public. Not every lawyer is a notary; it is a separate appointment. Their role is to confirm, in a way foreign authorities can rely on, that a document was properly signed or is a true copy. Typical tasks include:
- witnessing the signing of documents to be used abroad, such as a power of attorney for overseas property;
- certifying copies of documents, such as passports, degree certificates or birth certificates, as true copies of the originals;
- administering oaths or affirmations for affidavits and statutory declarations to be used overseas.
Notary public or commissioner for oaths?
A commissioner for oaths administers oaths for affidavits and statutory declarations used within Singapore, such as in Singapore court proceedings. If a document is going to be used outside Singapore, a notary public is usually needed instead. When in doubt, ask the receiving organisation what it requires.
Preparing for the appointment
- Do not sign the document beforehand; the notary must see you sign.
- Bring the original document, and the original as well if you need a certified copy.
- Bring original photo identification, such as your NRIC or passport.
- Bring any instructions from the overseas authority or receiving party.
Step 1: Notarisation
The notary checks your identity, witnesses your signature or compares the copy with the original, and issues a notarial certificate. The certificate is attached to the document and sealed with the notary's seal.
Step 2: Authentication by the Singapore Academy of Law
A notarial certificate must then be authenticated by the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL). Since Singapore joined the Apostille Convention in 2021, SAL does this by attaching an apostille, which confirms the notary's signature and seal are genuine. For countries that are members of the Convention, the apostilled document can generally be used without going to their embassy.
Step 3, if needed: Embassy legalisation
If the destination country is not a member of the Apostille Convention, the document may also need to be legalised at that country's embassy or consulate in Singapore after SAL authentication. This adds time, so check the destination's requirements early.
What it costs
Notarial fees are set by the Notaries Public Rules. Commonly, they are S$40 for witnessing one person's signature on a document and S$75 for each notarial certificate, plus S$87.20 (including GST) payable to SAL for authentication. Extra signatories, exhibits, certified copy pages and embassy fees add to this. Ask for a quote before your appointment.
A lawyer can review your situation and explain your options.
This article is general information on Singapore law and is not legal advice. Rules and agency policies change, and every situation is different. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with one of our lawyers.
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