There is a lot of misinformation about notary services in Ireland. Some myths come from confusion with the American system, others from outdated assumptions, and some simply from the fact that most people only encounter a notary once or twice in their lives. Let us debunk the most common myths.
Myth #1: "I Can Get Documents Notarised Online"
Reality: Not in Ireland. Irish notarisation requires the physical presence of the person before the Notary Public. The notary must verify your identity in person, witness the signing, and physically apply their seal to the document. While some US states have introduced remote online notarisation (RON), this is not available in Ireland and Irish authorities do not currently recognise remotely notarised documents.
Myth #2: "Any Solicitor Can Notarise Documents"
Reality: A solicitor can certify documents for domestic use, but cannot notarise them for international use. Notarisation requires the specific appointment, qualifications, and seal of a Notary Public. While most Irish Notaries are also Solicitors, the reverse is not true. Only a Notary Public can provide the internationally recognised authentication that foreign authorities require.
Myth #3: "Notary Services Are Very Expensive"
Reality: Notary fees are reasonable and proportionate to the work involved. Simple notarisations (certified copies, witnessed signatures) typically cost €80–€150. More complex work (Powers of Attorney) costs more, but when you consider that these documents support transactions worth tens or hundreds of thousands of euro, the fee is modest. Multiple documents handled in one appointment often attract a reduced per-document rate.
Myth #4: "I Only Need a Notary If I'm Moving Abroad Permanently"
Reality: You might need a notary for many reasons that do not involve permanent emigration:
- Buying property abroad (even a holiday home)
- Getting married abroad
- Setting up or investing in a foreign business
- Sending qualifications to a foreign employer
- Applying for a foreign visa (even for temporary work)
- Corporate transactions with international elements
- Adoption proceedings involving another country
Myth #5: "The Notary Just Stamps the Document — Anyone Could Do It"
Reality: The notarial seal is the visible manifestation of a rigorous process. Before applying the seal, the notary verifies identity, examines the document, ensures understanding and voluntariness, prepares a formal notarial certificate, and records the transaction permanently. The seal represents the notary's professional guarantee — backed by their qualifications, their commission from the Chief Justice, and centuries of legal tradition.
Myth #6: "I Need to Go to Dublin for Notary Services"
Reality: Notaries Public practise across Ireland. Hugh Phelan is based in Douglas, Cork, and provides the full range of notarial services with same-day appointments often available. There is no need to travel to Dublin.
Myth #7: "An Apostille Is the Same as Notarisation"
Reality: They are different steps in the same chain. Notarisation is the authentication by a Notary Public. The apostille is a certificate from the Department of Foreign Affairs that authenticates the notary's signature and seal. For most international documents, you need both — first notarisation, then apostille. The apostille cannot be obtained without prior notarisation (for private documents).
Myth #8: "All Countries Have the Same Notary System"
Reality: Notary systems vary enormously. In continental Europe, notaries are powerful public officers who handle property transactions and family law. In the US, notaries have minimal powers. In Ireland, notaries occupy a middle ground — focused on international document authentication. See our article on the differences between Irish, UK, US, and European notaries for more.
Myth #9: "Once a Document Is Notarised, It's Valid Forever"
Reality: The notarisation itself does not expire. However, many countries and institutions require documents to have been issued recently — often within 3 or 6 months. A birth certificate issued 10 years ago can still be notarised, but some authorities will insist on a recently issued copy. Always check the destination country's requirements.
Myth #10: "I Don't Need a Notary — I'll Just Get My Document Stamped at the Embassy"
Reality: Embassies do not generally notarise documents. They may legalise documents (for non-Hague countries), but this comes after notarisation and Department of Foreign Affairs authentication. The notary is always the first step in the chain.
The Facts
Hugh Phelan is a Solicitor and Notary Public practising from East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork. He is happy to clarify any questions about notary services and ensure your documents are prepared correctly for their intended use.
Contact us at 021-489-7134 or info@phelansolicitors.com, or book an appointment online.
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Hugh Phelan, Solicitor & Notary Public, Douglas, Cork. We'll separate fact from fiction.
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