Notarization of documents is the process of having an authorized person, known as a notary public, witness and verify the authenticity of a document. This individual verifies the identities of the people signing a document and whether they are signing willingly and genuinely.
This process adds a layer of trust and protection to your documents, especially important ones such as business, finance, land, and other official documents.
If you have been asked to notarize a document and you are unsure of notarized document meaning or how the process works, this guide is for you. We will explain the meaning, the importance of notarization, and the steps you can take to get your document notarized without unnecessary confusion.
Key takeaways
- You need specific documents to get notarized: a valid government ID, the original, complete, signed document, witnesses if required, and payment of the notarization fee.
- Notarization verifies identity and intent: A notary public confirms who is signing a document and ensures they’re doing so willingly, without pressure or coercion.
- Only authorized professionals can notarize: In Nigeria, a lawyer/solicitor with experience is allowed to notarize; not just anyone can notarize.
- The process is fairly quick: Most notarizations take just 30 to 60 minutes, though document complexity, volume, or missing requirements can extend that timeframe.
What is Notarization?
Notarization is the official process of confirming that a document is genuine and properly signed. A notary public, who is authorized by the government, checks the identity of the people signing the document and makes sure they understand it and are signing willingly.
The notary then adds their signature and official seal to help prevent fraud and give the document legal credibility. Notarization must be done in accordance with the Notaries Public Act 2023.
Source: Supreme Court of Nigeria.
If your documents needs to be used abroad, after notarization, get it authenticated, then legalized by your destination country’s embassy.
Notarized document example
What is the importance of Notarization?
The purpose of notarization is to add an extra layer of trust, verify authenticity, and provide legal protection to documents:
- Provides evidence of authenticity: A notarized document carries an official certification that proves the signing of a document was witnessed by a notary.
- Prevents fraud: A notary verifies the identity of the individual signing a document, helping reduce the risk of impersonation and fraud.
- Confirms the signer’s willingness: Notarization helps confirm that the signer wasn’t forced to sign and isn’t under any pressure.
- Supports official transactions: Some businesses, property, finance, and international documents may require notarization before they can be accepted by an institution.
- Supports migration purposes: Notarization is the first step in document authentication that must be taken before some documents can be accepted in other countries outside Nigeria.
Who will notarize a document?
Not just anyone can notarize a document; it must be notarized by someone authorized by the Chief Judge of Nigeria or a state to act as a notary.
Lawyers/Solicitors – Legal practitioners who must have been called to the Nigerian Bar for at least seven years can be a notary; they must be appointed by the Chief Judge.
(Source: The Society of Notaries Public)
What are the notarization requirements?
To get a document notarized, you need to meet certain requirements. These requirements may vary by notary office.
- Valid Government identification – You must present a valid means of identification to prove your identity, such as;
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- National Identity Card
- Driver’s license
- Voter’s card
- International passport
- The Original Document – Bring the original document that needs notarization.
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- Complete document without any missing pages
- Document must be signed by hand.
- Witnesses (When required): Some documents, depending on the type, may require one or more witnesses.
- Payment/Notarization fee – Notarization incurs a fee; this fee varies by document type, notary office, and whether additional services are required.
Notarization process in Nigeria
There are 2 ways you can notarize documents in Nigeria, physically, and online.
How to Notarize a Document Physically in Nigeria
The following is a clear step-by-step breakdown of the process of notarization physically in Nigeria.
- Prepare your documents – Put together all documents that require notarization and ensure they are complete, with no missing or blank pages.
- Find a notary public office – Locate a licensed notary to notarize your document.
- Bring valid means of identification – You are to come along with a valid means of identification to the notary’s office.
- Appear in person – You are to appear before the notary’s office in person for the process to take place; your presence is necessary to verify your identity.
- Acknowledgment of document – Sign your document in the presence of the notary
- The notary completes the certification – The notary public verifies the document, completes the notarial certification, and applies the official stamp, signature, or seal.
- Payment of fees – You are required to pay the applicable notarization fee. The amount depends on the type of service that is rendered.
- Collection of notarized documents – Once the document notarization is completed, you can collect your notarized document.
How to Notarize a Document Online in Nigeria
Here is the step-by-step process for remote notarization in Nigeria;
- Find and book a Notary Public: Visit the official Electronic Notary Register and select a choose “Book Session” to begin.
- Provide your details and upload the document: Enter your personal information, upload the document in PDF format you want notarized, add cosigners, witnesses, and select a convenient date and time for the online session.
- Make payment: Pay the required notarization fee through the platform to confirm your session.
- Verify your identity: Complete the required identity verification. This will involve you providing a government-issued ID, such as your NIN or passport, and completing biometric verification.
- Join the online notarization session: Attend the scheduled live video session. The Notary Public will verify your identity and guide you through the signing of the document.
- Receive your notarized document: After the session, your document is completed with the appropriate digital seal and made available to you. The notarized document can also be verified using its unique Document ID or QR code.
Source: Notary Public Nigeria
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How long does notarization take?
In most cases, notarization documents takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the paperwork. However, factors such as document complexity, number of documents to be notarized, and missing requirements can prolong the notarization time.
How much does notarization cost in Nigeria?
The cost of notarization of documents varies. It depends on the type of document, the number of documents involved, and the application of the professional fee.
General Cost Breakdown:
- Signature and affidavit: ₦3,000 to ₦10,000 per signature.
- Certificates and standard documents: ₦10,000
- Deeds and complex agreements: ₦20,000 or more, depending on the complexity.
It is important to confirm the exact fee with the notary’s office before proceeding, as prices can change and some documents may incur different fees.
How to find a notary public in Nigeria
You can always find a notary public near you by using the official Notary Register Portal to find a notary. The platform allows you to search for registered Notaries Public and confirm that they are authorized to provide notary services.
You can also choose a notary based on your location and contact them to ask about their services, fees, and availability. Before using any notary, make sure their name appears on the official register.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can fully notarize your documents online in Nigeria through online Notarization.
Notarization is the process by which a notary public verifies the authenticity of a legal document and identifies the person signing it, while legalization is the process where a foreign embassy or consulate verifies and stamps a document so that a foreign country’s legal system will recognize it as authentic, valid, and legally effective.
No. Notarization is when a Notary Public verifies a document or signature. Attestation is the process of confirming that a document is genuine, often by an authorized government office or institution.
Conclusion
Notarization may seem like a small legal formality, but it plays a powerful role in protecting the authenticity of your most important documents. From verifying identities to preventing fraud, it’s the quiet safeguard behind contracts, affidavits, and agreements that truly matter.
For a faster and error-free notarization process, reach out to professional agents to help you notarize your documents.
Complete your notarization process with less stress.
