One of the most common reasons people contact a Notary Public is for documents that do not actually need notarisation. While notarisation is essential for many international documents, there is a significant category of documents where people assume they need a notary — but a simpler (and less expensive) option exists. Here is what you can skip.
1. Passport Copies for Domestic Use
If you need a certified copy of your passport for an Irish employer, bank, or institution, you do not need a notary. A solicitor, accountant, member of An Garda Síochána, or other authorised professional can certify the copy. Notarisation is only needed if the certified passport copy is going abroad.
2. Wills
Irish wills do not need to be notarised. A valid will must be in writing, signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses, who also sign. While a solicitor should draft the will to ensure it is legally sound, notarisation is not required under Irish law.
Exception: If your will is intended to have effect in a foreign jurisdiction, notarisation may be required by that jurisdiction's laws.
3. Statutory Declarations for Domestic Use
A statutory declaration for use within Ireland can be witnessed by a Commissioner for Oaths, Peace Commissioner, or practising solicitor. You only need a Notary Public if the statutory declaration is for international use.
4. Irish Property Conveyancing Documents
The buying and selling of property within Ireland does not require a notary. Irish conveyancing is handled entirely by solicitors. Notarisation only becomes relevant when an Irish property transaction has an international element — for example, a foreign buyer who needs a Power of Attorney notarised.
5. Employment Contracts (Domestic)
Employment contracts for jobs in Ireland do not need notarisation. A simple signature by both parties is sufficient. Notarisation is only needed if the employment contract is for a foreign employer who specifically requires it.
6. Bank Account Opening (Domestic)
Opening a bank account in Ireland requires proof of identity and address, but does not require notarised documents. A solicitor or other authorised person can certify copies if needed. Notarisation is relevant when opening a bank account abroad.
7. Insurance Claims
Insurance claims documents in Ireland do not require notarisation. Any declarations or statutory declarations can be witnessed by a Commissioner for Oaths.
8. Rental Agreements
Irish residential tenancy agreements do not need to be notarised. They simply need to be signed by the landlord and tenant. Registration with the RTB (Residential Tenancies Board) is a separate requirement but does not involve notarisation.
The Key Rule
The simple rule of thumb: if the document stays in Ireland, you probably don't need a notary. If the document is going abroad, you probably do. When in doubt, call us — we will tell you honestly whether you need a notary or whether a simpler option will suffice.
When You DO Need a Notary
For a comprehensive list of documents that do need notarisation, see our article on documents you surprisingly DO need notarised for foreign use.
Contact us at 021-489-7134 or info@phelansolicitors.com, or book an appointment online.
Not Sure If You Need a Notary?
Call us — we'll tell you honestly. Hugh Phelan, Solicitor & Notary Public, Douglas, Cork.
Book Your Appointment📞 +353-21-489-7134 · East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork