Notary Public

What Is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is a public officer constituted by law to serve the public in non-contentious matters, usually concerned with foreign or international business. The office of Notary Public is one of the oldest in the legal profession, dating back to the Roman Republic. In Ireland, notaries public continue to fulfil a vital role in authenticating documents for use across the world.

In practical terms, a Notary Public verifies identities, witnesses signatures, administers oaths, certifies copies of documents, and issues notarial certificates that carry the Notary's official seal. These certificates are recognised by courts, government authorities, banks, and institutions in virtually every country on earth.

The role of a Notary Public is distinct from that of a solicitor or barrister. While a solicitor provides legal advice and representation, a Notary Public specifically provides authentication and certification services — giving documents the formal status needed for international recognition.

How Is a Notary Public Appointed in Ireland?

In Ireland, the appointment of a Notary Public is one of the most rigorous in the legal profession. The process involves:

Hugh Phelan was appointed and constituted a Notary Public by the Chief Justice of Ireland and President of the Supreme Court. He holds a BCL from University College Cork, is a qualified solicitor in both Ireland and England & Wales, and holds a Specialist Diploma in Notarial Law and Practice (Dip.Not.L.). With over 20 years of professional experience, he is one of Cork's most established notaries.

What Does a Notary Public Do?

A Notary Public is empowered by law and by the custom and usage of notaries through the ages to perform a wide range of functions:

Notary Public vs Commissioner for Oaths — What's the Difference?

This is one of the most common questions people ask. While both a Notary Public and a Commissioner for Oaths can administer oaths, the two roles are very different in scope and authority:

In short: if your documents need to be used outside Ireland, you almost certainly need a Notary Public rather than a Commissioner for Oaths. All practising solicitors in Ireland are automatically Commissioners for Oaths, but only those specifically appointed by the Chief Justice hold the office of Notary Public.

When Do You Need a Notary Public?

You are most likely to need a Notary Public in the following situations:

• Buying or selling property abroad — Powers of attorney, certified identification, and authenticated financial documents are typically required
• Setting up a company overseas — Corporate documents, board resolutions, and articles of association often require notarisation
• Immigration and visa applications — Many countries require notarised copies of passports, birth certificates, qualifications, and background checks
• Apostille or legalisation of documents — Documents must be notarised before an apostille can be applied or legalisation can proceed
• International business transactions — Contracts, agreements, and corporate documents for cross-border deals
• Inheritance and estate matters abroad — Affidavits of heirship, renunciation of rights, and authenticated wills for foreign probate
• Academic and professional credentials — Certified copies of degrees, transcripts, and professional qualifications for overseas employers or institutions

The History of the Notary Public in Ireland

The office of Notary Public has a history spanning over two thousand years. The word "notary" derives from the Latin notarius, meaning a writer or scribe. In the Roman Republic, notaries were trusted officials who recorded legal proceedings, contracts, and transactions. As the Roman Empire expanded, the notarial system spread across Europe.

In Ireland, the notarial tradition arrived through the influence of both Roman law and the common law system. Today, Irish notaries public are members of the Faculty of Notaries Public in Ireland and operate under the authority of the Chief Justice. The Irish notarial system is respected internationally, and the seal of an Irish Notary Public is recognised by courts and institutions throughout the world.

This rich heritage means that when a Notary Public affixes their seal to a document, it carries centuries of legal tradition and authority behind it. It is not simply a rubber stamp — it is a solemn certification backed by the full weight of the Irish legal system.

Documents a Notary Public Can Authenticate

The range of documents a Notary Public can authenticate is broad. Common examples include:

Hugh Phelan — Your Notary Public in Cork

Hugh Phelan brings exceptional qualifications and deep experience to every notarial matter:

Frequently Asked Questions About Notaries Public