Frequently Asked
Questions

A Notary Public is a qualified legal professional appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland to authenticate documents for use internationally. Services include certifying copies, witnessing signatures, administering oaths, preparing affidavits, notarising powers of attorney, and authenticating documents for use abroad. Unlike a Commissioner for Oaths, a Notary's authentication is recognised worldwide. Call (021) 489 7134 to discuss your document needs.

A Commissioner for Oaths can witness statutory declarations and affidavits for use within Ireland. A Notary Public has broader authority and can authenticate documents for international use. Notaries are appointed by the Chief Justice and undergo additional specialised training through the Faculty of Notaries Public. If your documents are going abroad, you need a Notary Public. Call (021) 489 7134 to find out which service you need.

In Ireland, a Notary Public is appointed by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Candidates must hold a Diploma in Notarial Law and Practice from the Faculty of Notaries Public in Ireland, be a qualified solicitor or barrister, and demonstrate competence in notarial practice. It is a prestigious appointment granted for life. Hugh Phelan holds this appointment. Call (021) 489 7134.

No. Unlike in some countries (such as the United States), a Notary Public in Ireland does not have the authority to perform marriages. Marriages in Ireland must be solemnised by a registered solemniser. However, a notary can notarise marriage-related documents for international use. Call (021) 489 7134 if you need marriage documents notarised.

Hugh Phelan holds a BCL from University College Cork, a Diploma in Commercial Litigation, and a Diploma in Notarial Law from the Faculty of Notaries Public. He is a Solicitor of the Superior Courts of Ireland, a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England & Wales, and a Notary Public appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland. He has over 20 years of legal and notarial experience. Call (021) 489 7134.

Fees vary depending on the type and complexity of the document. Simple notarisations start from €65, standard notarisations (powers of attorney, affidavits) from €80, and complex or corporate documents from €120. Every document is unique, so call (021) 489 7134 for an exact quote.

No extra charge applies for same day appointments during regular office hours. Complex or out-of-hours urgent requests may attract an additional fee, but we'll always tell you the cost upfront before you commit. Call (021) 489 7134 for details.

We accept card payments (Visa, Mastercard, contactless), cash (Euro), bank transfer, and cheques (by arrangement). Payment is due at the time of your appointment. Call (021) 489 7134 for a fee quote before your visit.

Yes, appointments are strongly recommended to ensure we can give your documents proper attention. Same day appointments are often available. Walk-ins may be accommodated subject to availability, but calling ahead — even 5 minutes before — ensures a smoother experience. Call (021) 489 7134 to book.

Most notarisations are completed within a single appointment lasting 15–30 minutes. Complex matters involving multiple documents may take longer. Documents are typically ready the same day — you walk out with everything completed. Call (021) 489 7134 to book your appointment.

You'll need valid photo ID (passport preferred), the original documents to be notarised, any supporting documents or instructions from the requesting party, and payment. Check our comprehensive checklist page for the full list, or call (021) 489 7134 for personalised advice.

It depends on the document. Some documents such as powers of attorney and certain affidavits require witnesses. Witnesses must be adults (18+), not a party to the document, and must bring their own valid photo ID. We'll advise you when you book whether witnesses are needed. Call (021) 489 7134 to check.

Yes — we actively encourage it. Emailing your documents to info@phelansolicitors.com before your appointment lets us review them, identify any issues, and prepare in advance. This can save significant time during your visit. Call (021) 489 7134 after sending your documents to book.

Our office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. In exceptional circumstances, urgent requests may be accommodated outside these hours. Call 086 390 7815 (urgent mobile) to discuss. Regular appointments: (021) 489 7134.

Yes — this is one of the primary functions of a Notary Public. Hugh Phelan regularly notarises documents for use in the US, UK, EU, Middle East, Asia, and worldwide. His dual qualification in Ireland and England & Wales is especially valuable for cross-border matters. Call (021) 489 7134 to discuss your needs.

An apostille is a certificate issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs that authenticates a notarised document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Convention (which includes most countries worldwide). Many countries require an apostille in addition to notarisation. We can advise whether you need one and assist with the process. Call (021) 489 7134.

Yes. Hugh Phelan is dual qualified as both a Solicitor in Ireland and a Solicitor in England & Wales. This gives him unique expertise and understanding of both legal systems — particularly valuable for documents destined for the UK. Call (021) 489 7134 for UK document enquiries.

Yes — powers of attorney are one of our most common services. We handle general, specific, and enduring powers of attorney for use in Ireland and internationally. Call (021) 489 7134 to discuss your requirements.

Yes. Notarised true copies of passports, degrees, diplomas, birth certificates, and other documents are among our most requested services. You must bring the original document — we cannot certify a copy of a copy. Call (021) 489 7134 to book.

Yes. Hugh Phelan regularly notarises documents for US immigration, including affidavits of support, sworn statements, certified copies of Irish documents, and powers of attorney for US legal proceedings. His experience with US requirements ensures your documents meet the necessary standards. Call (021) 489 7134.

Yes. Hugh Phelan regularly notarises documents in various languages. If the document is not in English, you may need to provide a certified translation alongside the original. We can advise on specific requirements. Call (021) 489 7134.

Yes. If you're purchasing property abroad, you may need powers of attorney, source-of-funds declarations, certified ID copies, and more. Hugh Phelan has extensive experience with international property transactions across multiple jurisdictions. Call (021) 489 7134.

This is extremely rare with properly prepared documents. If it happens, contact us immediately. We'll review the rejection, liaise with the foreign authority if needed, and re-notarise at a reduced fee if the issue was on our end. Hugh Phelan's 20+ years of experience means documents are done right the first time. Call (021) 489 7134.

Our office is at East Douglas Street, Douglas, Co. Cork — approximately 10 minutes from Cork city centre by car. We're well served by public transport, and there's convenient parking nearby. Get directions or call (021) 489 7134.

Yes. There is convenient street parking and nearby car parks available close to our office on East Douglas Street, Douglas. We're also accessible by bus, with several routes serving the Douglas area. Call (021) 489 7134 for specific directions.