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Public Notaries

Information about Public Notaries.

  • This topic covers

    This topic covers

    • Solicitors or barristers that are appointed as Public Notaries​ 
    • Getting documents witnessed or certified

Time limit Action 
At least five yearsThe minimum amount of time a person must be a lawyer before they can apply to be appointed as a Public Notary.

Organisations

Organisation 

Responsibilities
Supreme Court of NSWAppoints and enrols lawyers a Public Notaries, and removes lawyers from the roll of public notaries for misconduct, incompetence or any other reason.
The Society of Notaries of New South Wales Inc.

Its functions include:

  • assists Public Notaries to fullfil their responsibilities
  • assists members of the public, Government and institutions to find a Public Notary
  • represents the interests of appointed Notaries in the State and the ACT.

Legislation

AuthorityCovers
Public Notaries Act 1997 (NSW)Provides for the appointment and regulation of Public Notaries.

Common termDefinition
Public Notary

Public Notaries are lawyers appointed to perform certain functions, including:

  • authenticating official, Government and personal documents and information for use overseas
  • witnessing signatures of individuals to documents and authenticating identity
  • witnessing Powers of Attorney for use overseas, including from time to time, preparing them
  • certifying true copies of documents for use overseas
  • dealing with documentation for land, property and deceased estates overseas.

 

OrganisationFee
Society of Notaries of New South Wales Inc.Recommended Fees
Woman working on computer

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions about Public Notaries.

Go to questions

Services

Find a Notary

Search the Notary Directory to find Notaries by area or language. All Notaries are members of the Notary Society.

Last updated: November 2023