Sending Notarised Documents from Cork to Family Abroad

Many families in Cork have members living abroad — in Australia, the US, the UK, Canada, the Middle East, or elsewhere. When a family member abroad needs an Irish document notarised and sent to them, the process involves notarisation, apostille (or legalisation), and secure delivery. This guide covers the practical steps.

The Process

1. Gather the documents: Collect all original documents that need notarisation
2. Book a notary appointment: Hugh Phelan's office in Douglas, Cork can usually accommodate appointments within a few days
3. Attend the appointment: Bring the documents, valid identification, and any specific instructions from the family member abroad about format or content requirements
4. Obtain the apostille: Submit notarised documents to the DFA for apostille (5–10 working days by post, or same-day at the Dublin office)
5. Send the documents: Post or courier the apostilled documents to your family member

Common Scenarios

Birth Certificates for Children Born in Ireland

Parents who have emigrated may need certified copies of their children's Irish birth certificates for school enrolment, residency applications, or passport applications abroad. A Notary Public can make certified copies of the original birth certificate, which are then apostilled.

Marriage Certificates

Irish marriage certificates are frequently needed by family members abroad for immigration applications, name changes, or family law matters. Certified copies can be notarised and apostilled.

Powers of Attorney

A family member abroad may need someone in Cork to manage their affairs. The power of attorney is typically drafted based on instructions from the person abroad, signed by an authorised representative (if one exists), or sent to the person abroad for signature before a local notary.

Inheritance and Probate Documents

When a family member passes away in Ireland and beneficiaries live abroad, various documents may need notarisation and apostille — grants of probate, affidavits of law, declarations of entitlement, and certified copies of wills.

Posting Options

• An Post Registered Post International: Tracked delivery with signature confirmation. Economical but can take 5–10 working days
• DHL/FedEx/UPS: Faster (2–5 days) with full tracking and insurance options. Recommended for urgent or valuable documents
• Irish postal system: Standard airmail is not recommended for legal documents as there is no tracking

Tips for Safe Delivery

• Always use tracked, signed-for delivery for notarised documents
• Make copies of all documents before sending (keep notarised copies if possible)
• Include a cover letter listing all enclosed documents
• Consider insuring the package for the cost of replacing and re-notarising the documents
• Confirm the delivery address with your family member

Digital Copies

While digital scans of notarised documents are not substitutes for the originals, they can be useful for advance review. Some institutions accept scanned copies for initial review before requiring originals. Send scans by email as a precaution while the originals are in transit.

Frequently Asked Questions