Notary Public is a legal role that involves authenticating signatures and documents. It is an important process to support business operations and protect individuals from fraudulent activities.
Here in Thailand, the Lawyers Council has started a training program for lawyers to act as Notarial Services Attorneys. Think of them as official document superheroes that make sure everything is on the up and up.
Qualification
A Notary Public in Thailand is a legal professional who certifies documents and signatures as genuine. This is a vital service when you need to courier signed papers abroad, because some countries require that the document be notarized. These legal professionals also witness and verify the identity of a person signing a document. They can even make sure that translations are accurate, which is a must for settling legal disputes and submitting documentation to other countries.
Typically, these notaries are lawyers or legal professionals that have completed a training course and been authorized by the Lawyers Council of Thailand to become a Notarial Services Attorney. This means that they can perform notarization and other similar functions like certifying signatures, affirmatives, or copies of official documents. In fact, the Lawyers Council of Thailand has even started offering training courses to help its members become certified Notary Publics!
In some cases, you may need to get your documents notarized for immigration or visa processes. This is because the oversea authorities will usually require you to present a copy of your identification and your signature notarized by a Notary Public before accepting your papers. However, it’s important to find a Notary Public in Bangkok who has the required qualifications and experience to make your documents valid. Moreover, it is best to seek referrals and check online reviews of a notary before booking an appointment.
Functions
Notaries in most countries verify the authenticity of signatures and documents, administer oaths, and certify affidavits or statements. These are specialized functions that differ slightly from region to region. Notaries also carry out other important duties like vetting signatories, witnessing contracts, and acting as legal witnesses in court.
Expatriates in Thailand frequently use notary services for their immigration and visa processes, real estate transactions, or to authenticate legal papers such as affidavits. Having these papers notarized by an authorized legal professional makes them more trustworthy and reliable for both domestic and international purposes.
In Thailand, the Lawyers Council has made a rule that allows some lawyers to act as notaries, called “Notarial Services Attorneys.” These lawyers are like official document superheroes, able to guarantee that documents and signatures are legit.
Aside from this, notaries in Thailand can also verify the identity of a signatory by checking their official IDs. This is essential especially for international transactions. However, note that even if your document is notarized by a notary public, it might still need to be legalized at the Embassy of the country where you’ll be using the document. This is because Thailand is not a signatory of the Hague Convention on Legalization. You can read more about it here. The quickest and most convenient way to have your document notarized is online through Proof’s platform. It connects you with a notary in as little as 2 seconds and is available 24/7.
Fees
The fees associated with a Notary Public can vary depending on the type of document and the service requested. For example, notaries may charge a fee for verifying identities or witnessing signatures. Other services include attesting to copies, certifying photos, and administering oaths. Generally, notaries charge an average of 300 baht per document. However, it is important to check with each notary before submitting any documents.
Notaries can also assist with legal translations and provide notarization of documents for use in foreign countries. This can be helpful for people who have difficulty understanding Thai language and who need to submit documents to a foreign country. The process is complex and requires careful verification, but a notary can help ensure that the documents are authentic and valid.
In Thailand, a notary is called a Notarial Services Attorney (NSA). To become an NSA, lawyers must undergo an additional training and certification process. The process is regulated by the Lawyers Council of Thailand.
Documents that require notarization are primarily used for international purposes. For instance, a foreign bank or government agency might request notarized documents as proof of identity. This is because the notary acts as a neutral witness and can confirm that the document was signed by the correct person. In addition, notarized documents are often more trusted than uncertified ones.
Convenience
If you’re going to courier documents abroad, or if you want your documents to be accepted at foreign embassies in Thailand, they may need to be certified with the stamp of a Notary Public. This is because some countries require that signatures and documents be authenticated to ensure their authenticity.
In most countries, Notaries are a government official that provides authentication services for legal documents, affidavits, and signatures. They also witness sworn statements or testify in court cases. In Thailand, there is no Notary Public, but the Lawyers Council of Thailand has designated particular attorneys the role of Notarial Services Attorney, which allows them to perform authentication services regulated under the Lawyers Act.
Documents that often need to be certified by a Notary include wills and testaments, power of attorney Thailand, affidavits, medical records, and passport or identification card copies. Other services that can be accessed by a notary include verifying addresses, administering oaths, checking birthdays, and providing translations.
Although the country doesn’t have an official notary, some attorneys have been authorised by the Lawyers Council to serve as Notaries, offering a similar service for those who need it. This is particularly helpful for those who are buying property abroad or moving to a different country, as some banks will only accept notarized papers. It’s important to note that a notary isn’t qualified to give legal advice, but they can confirm that the person who signed a document understood what they were doing and voluntarily agreed to it.