If you have ever been asked to provide a “notarised” document, you are not alone in wondering what that actually means. The term comes up frequently in South Africa — when applying for jobs overseas, emigrating, registering at a foreign university, or dealing with cross-border legal matters.
What Does “Notarised” Mean?
When a document is notarised, it means a notary public — a specially admitted legal practitioner — has verified the document and attached an official notarial certificate bearing their signature, stamp, and seal. The notary’s involvement confirms the authenticity of the document, the identity of the person signing it, and that the person signed voluntarily.
Notarisation is a formal legal act recognised both in South Africa and internationally. A notarised document carries higher legal authority than an ordinary certified copy.
Key Elements of Notarisation
- The notarial certificate — a statement by the notary describing what was verified
- The notary’s signature
- The notary’s stamp — name, designation, and area of practice
- The notary’s seal — embossed or adhesive seal registered with the High Court
Without all four elements, the document has not been properly notarised.
Who Can Notarise Documents?
Not just any lawyer can notarise documents. A notary public is an attorney who has passed additional examinations and been admitted by the High Court as a notary — a separate admission beyond their attorney’s admission.
Notaries public are officers of the High Court. Their acts carry a presumption of truth and regularity, which is why notarised documents are accepted internationally.
At Louwrens Koen Attorneys, our principal has been an admitted notary public since 1995, conveniently located in Pretoria near the High Court and DIRCO.
Notary Public vs Commissioner of Oaths
Commissioner of Oaths
- Can be a police officer, bank manager, post office manager
- Can certify copies as “true copies of the original”
- Can commission affidavits
- Accepted for domestic purposes within South Africa
Notary Public
- Attorney with additional High Court admission
- Can execute notarial deeds (such as antenuptial contracts)
- Can prepare notarised copies accepted internationally
- Recognised by foreign governments, embassies, and international institutions
The practical difference: If a foreign authority asks for a “notarised” document, a commissioner of oaths’ stamp will not be accepted. You need a notary public.
When Do You Need Notarisation?
For International Use
- Emigration or visa applications
- Overseas employment — notarised copies of degrees and registrations
- Foreign university admission
- International business — contracts, resolutions, powers of attorney
For Domestic Legal Purposes
- Antenuptial contracts — must be executed before a notary
- Notarial bonds
- Long leases (exceeding 10 years)
- Servitudes and real rights
For the Apostille Chain
- Notarisation by a notary public
- Authentication by the High Court
- Apostille by DIRCO (Hague countries) or embassy legalisation
The notary’s involvement is the essential first step. See our apostille certificates page.
The Notarial Certificate and Seal
The notarial certificate states the notary’s name and capacity, that identity was verified, what was presented, the date and place, and that the person appeared personally (notarisation cannot be done remotely in South Africa).
The notarial seal is registered with the High Court and is the notary’s unique identifier — it cannot be replicated. This is why notarised documents are trusted across borders.
Cost
Fees vary by document type and complexity. Visit our pricing page or contact us for a quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a notarised copy the same as a certified copy?
No. A certified copy is from a commissioner of oaths (domestic use). A notarised copy is from a notary public with certificate and seal (international use).
Can any attorney notarise a document?
No. Only attorneys separately admitted by the High Court as notaries public can notarise documents.
Do I need to be physically present?
Yes. Remote or online notarisation is not recognised in South Africa.
How long does notarisation take?
Simple matters can often be completed the same day or while you wait. Complex acts may take longer.
Can a notarised document be used overseas?
Yes, but it may need apostille (Hague countries) or embassy legalisation (non-Hague). See our notary public services page.
Need a Document Notarised?
Louwrens Koen Attorneys has provided notarial services in Pretoria since 1995.
- Contact us to book an appointment or request a quote
- WhatsApp us on +27 73 686 9078
- Visit our Pretoria office near the High Court and DIRCO