FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
David Mulligan, solicitor has been appointed by the Supreme Court of Ireland as a Notary Public. He provides notarial services in Galway, Mayo, Roscommon, Offaly, Tipperary, Clare and Dublin.
Please feel free to email us with any queries or Text/WhatsApp on 0872276477. Our service is available by Prior Appointment only. We are primarily available outside normal office hours and on weekends and can, in certain circumstances, come to your office/home.
1. What does a Notary Public do?
A Notary Public verifies identities, witnesses signatures, and certifies true copies of original documents so they can be recognised and accepted outside Ireland. Many documents for use abroad require notarisation before they can be apostilled or legalised by foreign authorities.
2. What types of documents do you notarise?
Common documents include:
- Powers of Attorney for use overseas
- Certified copies of passports, IDs, educational certificates, and corporate documents
- Declarations, affidavits, letters of authorisation
- Documents for property transactions abroad
- Bank, pension, medical and immigration documents
- Company resolutions, directorship documents, and commercial paperwork
3. How much does notarisation cost?
Pricing varies depending on the document type, complexity, and the number of signatories. Typical fees include:
- Standard personal notarisation: from €50–€60 per document
- Power of Attorney: from €100–€200 depending on complexity
- Corporate notarisation: from €100+
- Multiple documents: discounted rates may apply for 3 or more items in one appointment
- Urgent or out-of-office appointments: additional call-out or priority fees may apply
A fixed quote can be provided in advance once the documents are reviewed.
4. What do I need to bring to my appointment?
A fixed quote can be provided in advance once the documents are reviewed.
- Your original passport or other valid government ID
- Proof of address (e.g., recent utility bill or bank statement)
- The original documents and any copies you want certified
- Any instructions from the organisation requesting the notarisation
Documents that require signing must be signed in the presence of the notary.
5. Can you notarise documents in other languages?
Yes, but with conditions:
- Documents in English can be notarised without issue.
- Documents in certain European languages may be acceptable if the notary is comfortable working with them.
- Documents in other languages may require a professional translation.
- Machine/online translations are not accepted.
- Notarisation relates to your identity and signature — the notary does not certify the accuracy of the foreign-language content.
6. Do you provide legal advice on documents?
No. A notary’s role is to confirm your identity, witness your signature, and certify copies. The notary cannot advise on the legal meaning, content, or effect of any document, especially if it is for use in another country.
7. What is an Apostille and do I need one?
An Apostille is a certificate issued by the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirming that the notary’s seal and signature are genuine. You need an apostille if the document will be used in a Hague Convention country.
The DFA fee for an apostille is €40 per document. Apostilles can be arranged by you directly or handled through the notary for an additional service fee.
8. What is “legalisation”?
Some countries require an additional authentication step after the apostille stage. The full process is usually:
- Notarisation
- Authentication / Apostille by the DFA
- Embassy or Consulate Legalisation of the destination country
9. Can anyone use your notary services?
Yes. Irish citizens and non-Irish nationals may use notary services, provided they can present valid identification. However, for apostilles or legalisation through the DFA, the document may need to show a connection to Ireland.
10. Will you guarantee that the document will be accepted abroad?
No. A notary cannot guarantee that a foreign authority will accept your document. The notary’s responsibility is fulfilled once identity has been verified and the signature notarised.
11. Do you keep records of my identification?
Yes. As required by regulation, the notary keeps records of your identity documents and the details of the notarisation for at least six years.
12. What if the document is rejected abroad? Can I get a refund?
Notarial fees are for the service of verifying identity and witnessing/certifying documents. If a foreign authority rejects the document, this does not entitle the client to a refund.
13. How do I make an appointment?
You can book by email or phone. You are encouraged to email your documents before the appointment so a quote and confirmation can be provided.
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