How Long Does Notarisation Take?

One of the most common questions people ask when they need documents notarised is: how long does the process take? Whether you have an urgent deadline for a foreign property transaction, a visa application, or an international business deal, knowing the timeline helps you plan effectively. This guide gives you realistic timelines for every stage of the notarisation process in Ireland.

The Quick Answer

For most people, the notarisation process from start to finish breaks down as follows:

• Booking an appointment: Same day to a few days, depending on availability
• The appointment itself: 15–30 minutes for standard notarisations; up to 60 minutes for complex matters
• Adding an apostille (if needed): 3–5 working days (standard) or same day/next day (express)
• Embassy legalisation (if needed): Varies by country, typically 5–15 working days

In the simplest case — a single document notarisation without apostille — you can have your notarised document in hand within 30 minutes of walking into the notary's office.

How Long Does the Appointment Take?

The length of your notarisation appointment depends on the type and number of documents involved:

Simple Notarisations (15–20 minutes)

• Certifying a true copy of a passport or degree certificate
• Witnessing a single signature on a straightforward document
• Notarising a simple statutory declaration or affidavit

Standard Notarisations (20–30 minutes)

• Notarising a Power of Attorney for use abroad
• Certifying multiple documents (2–3 documents)
• Notarising corporate documents (board resolutions, etc.)

Complex Notarisations (30–60 minutes)

• Multiple documents requiring individual notarial certificates
• Documents in foreign languages requiring review
• Complex corporate matters involving multiple signatories
• Documents requiring the notary to prepare additional certificates or attestations

Factors That Affect How Long Notarisation Takes

Several factors can influence the total time from initial contact to receiving your completed documents:

Preparation

The single biggest factor is how well-prepared you are. If you send your documents in advance, bring the correct ID, and arrive with a clear understanding of what you need, the process will be fast. If you arrive without proper ID, with pre-signed documents (that needed to be signed in the notary's presence), or without clear instructions from the requesting party, additional time will be needed — and in some cases, a second appointment may be necessary.

Document Complexity

A simple certified copy takes minutes. A complex Power of Attorney for a foreign property transaction involving multiple parties and specific conditions takes longer because the notary must review the document carefully and ensure all requirements are met.

Destination Country Requirements

Different countries have different requirements for notarised documents. Some countries require specific wording, particular forms of notarial certificate, or additional attestations. The notary needs to ensure these requirements are met, which may add time.

Number of Documents

Each document typically requires its own notarial certificate, identity verification notation, and seal. Multiple documents naturally take longer than a single document.

Adding an Apostille: Additional Time

If your notarised document needs an apostille for use in a Hague Convention country, you'll need to factor in additional processing time with the Department of Foreign Affairs:

• Standard postal service: 3–5 working days processing, plus postal transit time
• In-person service (Dublin office): Same day or next working day
• Express/urgent service: May be available for time-sensitive matters

For detailed information on apostille timelines, see our article on how long an apostille takes in Ireland.

Same-Day Notarisation in Cork

Hugh Phelan's office in Douglas, Co. Cork offers same-day notarisation appointments when availability allows. This means you can contact the office in the morning and have your documents notarised the same day. To maximise your chances of same-day service:

• Call or email as early in the day as possible
• Send your documents in advance by email so the notary can prepare
• Have your ID and any other required documents ready
• Be flexible with timing — the notary will fit you in around existing appointments

How to Speed Up the Process

Follow these tips to ensure the fastest possible turnaround:

1. Contact the notary early — Don't wait until the last minute. The earlier you make contact, the more flexibility there is with scheduling.
2. Email documents in advance — This allows the notary to review them and identify any issues before your appointment.
3. Bring the right ID — A current, valid passport is the gold standard. See our guide on what ID you need for notarisation.
4. Don't pre-sign documents — If you need to sign in the notary's presence, the document must be unsigned when you arrive.
5. Have clear instructions — Know exactly what the requesting party needs (type of notarisation, specific wording, number of copies, etc.).
6. Ask about express apostille — If you need an apostille urgently, ask about express options.

Timeline Summary

Book Your Appointment

Don't let time pressure add stress to your notarisation needs. Contact Hugh Phelan's office today to book your appointment — same-day service is available when scheduling allows.

Call 021-489-7134, email info@phelansolicitors.com, or book online.