Lawyer With Notary Document Checklist

When It Applies

Not For

• Confirming whether a foreign authority will accept the document content.
• Replacing embassy, DIRCO, High Court, or receiving-institution instructions.

Documents

• Original document
• ID or passport
• Proof of address
• Receiving-institution instruction
• Company or trust authority
• Power of attorney
• Translations
• Certified copies
• Courier proof
• Notarial certificate

Timeline

• Before booking: confirm the receiving institution's required route.
• Appointment day: bring ID, authority proof, originals, and unsigned documents where needed.
• After notarisation: scan, track, courier, and confirm acceptance.
• If rejected: preserve the rejection reason and ask what wording is required.

Tips

• Notarisation often confirms signature, copy, authority, or document formalities, not the truth of every underlying fact.
• Foreign-use documents may need more than one step.
• Do not staple, alter, or separate official certificate packs unless instructed.
• Check names and numbers before leaving the appointment.

Warning Signs

• The destination country requires embassy legalisation rather than apostille.
• The receiving institution gave exact wording you have not shared with the notary.
• Names, dates, ID numbers, or company details do not match.
• You already signed a document that should have been witnessed.