How to Get Notary Attestation for Your Documents

Notary attestation is the official process where a notary public certifies that a signature on a document is genuine, that the person signing is who they claim to be, and that they signed voluntarily. In India, this is governed by the Notaries Act, 1952, and the Notaries Rules, 1956. You need notary attestation for documents like affidavits, agreements, property deeds, power of attorney, and educational certificates when they must be submitted to government authorities, banks, courts, or for international use. Without attestation, such documents may be rejected as unverified.

You can find a notary public through the district court, the office of the District Magistrate, or by searching the online directory maintained by the respective state government's law department. Notaries are appointed by the Central Government or State Governments under Section 3 of the Notaries Act, 1952. Many notaries operate from chambers near court complexes or have offices in commercial areas. You can also ask your local lawyer, bank manager, or government office for a referral. Ensure the notary's commission is valid and that they are registered with the state government.

You must carry the original document that requires attestation, along with a self-attested copy. You also need valid proof of identity, such as an Aadhaar card, passport, voter ID, or driving license. If the document involves a witness, the witness must also be present with their own identity proof. For documents like affidavits, you may need to bring a draft prepared in advance. The notary will verify your identity and the document's contents before affixing their seal and signature. It is advisable to carry two passport-sized photographs as some notaries require them.

The process is straightforward. First, locate a notary public and schedule an appointment if required. Second, present the original document and your identity proof to the notary. Third, the notary will verify your identity and may ask you to sign or swear an oath in their presence. Fourth, the notary will affix their official seal, sign the document, and enter the details in their register. Fifth, you pay the prescribed fee, which is typically between ₹50 to ₹500 per document depending on the state and the notary's schedule. Finally, collect the attested document along with a receipt. The entire process usually takes 15-30 minutes.

The fee for notary attestation is governed by the Notaries Rules, 1956, and varies by state. Typically, it ranges from ₹50 to ₹500 per document. Some notaries charge additional fees for drafting or for urgent services. The attestation itself does not have a fixed expiry date, but its validity depends on the purpose. For example, an affidavit attested for a court case is valid for that specific case, while a power of attorney may be valid for a specified period. For documents requiring further authentication, such as for international use, the notary attestation is the first step before obtaining apostille or embassy attestation.

If you need notary attestation, gather your original documents and identity proof, then visit a registered notary public near you. For complex documents like property deeds or international documents, consult a qualified legal professional to ensure the process is completed correctly.

This page provides preliminary information. It is not legal advice. For your matter, consult a qualified professional.