Checking whether an original or copy should be notarised
Notarisation and preliminary document certification
Notary Attestation & Notarisation Assistance
If a document needs notarisation before another authentication step, we can help you understand what should be notarised and whether the next authority requires an original, copy or declaration.
Notary stage
Notarisation is useful only when it matches the next requirement
Notarisation can be requested for affidavits, powers of attorney, declarations, copies and other documents, but it is not automatically a substitute for State, MEA or embassy authentication.
We review why the document is being notarised and what the next authority expects. This helps avoid unnecessary notarisation or the common problem of notarising the wrong version of a document.
Worth checking first: If the receiving authority has specified “original”, “certified copy” or a particular declaration format, share that wording before the notary step.
Notary preparation
Getting the correct version notarised
Small format differences can matter later in the legalisation chain.
Reviewing affidavits, declarations or powers of attorney for the intended use
Planning notarisation as part of a wider authentication route
Explaining what later State/MEA/embassy stages may still remain
How we handle the enquiry
Notarise only after the intended use is clear
We first identify why the notary is being requested.
- 1Review the receiving requirement
We check the document and any instruction from the authority that will use it.
- 2Choose the correct version
Original, copy or declaration format is identified before notarisation.
- 3Complete notarisation
The document is prepared for the appropriate notarial act.
- 4Move to later authentication
If further attestation or Apostille is needed, the notarised document proceeds through that route.
Documents & information
What to share before notarisation
A scan and a short explanation of the purpose are usually enough for the first review.
- Document or copy requiring notarisation
- Identity proof where relevant
- Draft affidavit/declaration if applicable
- Receiving-authority requirement or destination purpose
Questions we are often asked
Notary and notarisation questions
Is notarisation the same as Apostille?
No. A notary certifies or witnesses documents in a different capacity. Apostille is a separate government authentication process for eligible documents.
Can a photocopy be notarised?
In many situations copies can be notarised, but whether that copy is accepted later depends on the receiving authority.
Does every attestation case begin with a notary?
No. Some documents follow a State, education, Chamber or other route without a notary stage.