Notary Public: Meaning, Services, Fees & How to Find One

“Notary” is one of the most searched legal words in India. People look for a notary public, a notary near me, a notary office near me or simply type notery or notri. Here is what a notary actually does, when you need one and what to expect.

Who is a notary public?

A notary public is an advocate with several years of practice who has been appointed by the Central Government or a State Government under the Notaries Act, 1952. The appointment is for a defined area and must be renewed. Every notary keeps an official notarial register in which each notarised document is recorded.

What a notary can do

• Verify the identity of a person signing a document and witness the signature.
• Administer an oath and attest an affidavit.
• Certify a photocopy as a true copy of the original (what a notarised true copy means).
• Notarise agreements, powers of attorney, declarations and undertakings.
• Note and protest bills of exchange and perform other notarial acts under the Act.

What a notary cannot do

• Register a document. Sale deeds and long leases must be registered at the sub-registrar’s office.
• Confirm that the contents of your document are true. The notary verifies identity and signature, not your facts.
• Replace state, MEA or embassy attestation for documents going abroad. Notary is often only the first step.
• Notarise a document if the person signing is not present (except for true copies, where the original is what matters).

Notary charges

The Notaries Rules prescribe fees for notarial acts, but what you actually pay usually also covers drafting, typing, e-stamp paper and copies. A ready document with one signature costs far less than an affidavit drafted from scratch on e-stamp paper. A good notary office tells you the full amount before starting. At SK Document Centre we give you the total in advance.

Notary vs gazetted officer vs oath commissioner

Read notary public vs gazetted officer and oath commissioner vs notary if your form uses one of these terms.

How to find a reliable notary near you

• Check that the seal shows the notary’s name, registration number, area and validity.
• Make sure the entry is recorded in the notarial register.
• Prefer an office that also handles e-stamp paper and drafting, so you finish in one visit.
• If the document is going abroad, ask whether they can take it on to SDM, MEA or apostille.

Our notary desk is at C-260, New Ashok Nagar, a few minutes from Mayur Vihar Phase 1 and Noida Sector 15, open Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 7 PM. See notary attestation services.

Need something notarised today? Send a photo of the document or the instruction you received on WhatsApp or call +91 93109 70010. We tell you the exact process, time and charges before you spend anything.

Frequently asked questions

What is a notary public?

A government-appointed lawyer who verifies identities, witnesses signatures, attests affidavits and certifies true copies under the Notaries Act, 1952.

Is a notarised document legally valid?

Yes. Notarised affidavits, agreements and true copies are widely accepted by courts, banks, universities and government offices.

Do I need to be present for notarisation?

Yes for affidavits and agreements. For true copies, the original must be shown.

How long does notarisation take?

Usually the same day, often under an hour.

Can a notary attest documents for use abroad?

Yes, as the first step. Most countries then need state and MEA attestation or an apostille.