Be Prepared

What to Bring to Your
Notary Appointment

Don't arrive unprepared. This complete checklist ensures your notary appointment goes smoothly and your documents are ready first time.

Questions? Call (021) 489 7134
The Essentials

Your Notary Appointment Checklist

Every item below helps ensure your appointment goes smoothly. Items marked REQUIRED are essential — we cannot proceed without them.

1. Valid Photo ID

REQUIRED

You must present valid, government-issued photo identification. This is a legal requirement — we cannot notarise any document without verifying your identity.

Passport

Best option — universally accepted

Driving Licence

Irish or EU photo card driving licence

National ID Card

EU/EEA national identity card with photo

Passport Card

Irish passport card (within validity)

Important: Your ID must be current and not expired. Photocopies or photos of ID on your phone are not acceptable. If your ID has expired, you will need to obtain a valid one before your appointment.

2. Original Documents

REQUIRED

Bring the original documents that need to be notarised. If you need certified copies, you must bring the originals so we can verify and certify them.

The Document(s) to Be Notarised

Bring the actual document — power of attorney, contract, affidavit, declaration, etc. If it was sent to you electronically, print it out and bring the printed copy.

Originals for Certified Copies

If you need certified copies of passports, degrees, birth certificates, etc., you must bring the originals. We cannot certify a copy of a copy.

Supporting Documents

Any correspondence from the requesting party (embassy, solicitor, bank, employer) explaining what they need notarised and in what format.

Pro Tip: If you're unsure whether your document is in the correct format, email it to info@phelansolicitors.com or call us before your appointment. We can review it in advance and save you a wasted trip.

3. Proof of Address

SOMETIMES REQUIRED

Depending on the type of document being notarised, you may need to provide proof of your current address. We'll advise you when booking.

Utility bill (within 6 months)
Bank statement (within 6 months)
Revenue correspondence
Government letter with address

4. Witnesses

SOMETIMES REQUIRED

Some documents require one or more witnesses to be present during the signing. We'll tell you in advance if witnesses are needed for your specific documents.

Who Can Be a Witness?

Any adult (18+) who is not a party to the document and is not a direct family member. They must also bring valid photo ID.

Common Documents Requiring Witnesses

Powers of attorney, certain affidavits, some international documents, and wills typically require witnesses.

Not Sure If You Need Witnesses?

Call us at (021) 489 7134 before your appointment and we'll confirm exactly what's needed for your documents.

5. Payment

REQUIRED

Payment is due at the time of your appointment. We accept multiple payment methods for your convenience.

Card Payment

Visa, Mastercard, contactless

Cash

Euro notes and coins

Bank Transfer

By arrangement

Cheque

By arrangement

Not sure about fees? Check our pricing page or call for a quote.

6. Additional Items (If Applicable)

SITUATIONAL

Depending on your specific situation, you may also need to bring some of these items.

Instructions from the Requesting Party

Any letter, email, or instructions from the embassy, solicitor, employer, or institution that requested the notarisation. This helps us ensure we meet their exact requirements.

Details of the Destination Country

If your documents are for use abroad, let us know which country. Different countries have different requirements for notarised documents.

Translations (If Applicable)

If you need documents notarised in conjunction with a translation, bring both the original and the translation.

Company Documents (Corporate Clients)

If acting on behalf of a company: certificate of incorporation, board resolution authorising you to sign, company seal (if applicable).

Download Your Checklist

Print this checklist and tick off each item before you leave for your appointment. Never arrive unprepared.

✅ Quick Checklist

Valid photo ID (passport preferred)
Original documents to be notarised
Supporting documents / instructions from requesting party
Proof of address (if advised)
Witnesses with their photo ID (if required)
Payment method
Destination country details (for international documents)
Company documents (if acting for a company)

Printable PDF version coming soon

Avoid These

Common Mistakes That Delay Your Appointment

Don't let a simple mistake turn your 20-minute appointment into a rescheduled visit.

Expired ID

Bringing an expired passport or driving licence. We cannot accept expired ID under any circumstances.

Photocopies Instead of Originals

Bringing copies of documents when we need the originals. We can't certify a copy of a copy.

Forgetting Witnesses

Arriving without a required witness. If your document needs a witness, the entire appointment must be rescheduled.

Wrong Document Format

Bringing documents that don't match what the requesting party needs. Always check their exact requirements first.

Not sure what you need? Call (021) 489 7134 — we'll go through everything with you before your visit.

Ready to Book Your Appointment?

Got your checklist sorted? Book your appointment now or call us if you have any questions about what to bring.