Online Notary Cork — Is Remote Notarisation Possible in Ireland?

As digital services have expanded, many people wonder whether they can get their documents notarised online without attending a notary's office in person. This is a frequently asked question, and the answer in Ireland is nuanced. Hugh Phelan, notary public in Douglas, Cork, explains what is and isn't currently possible with remote notarisation in Ireland.

The Current Position on Online Notarisation in Ireland

As of 2025, fully remote online notarisation is not available in Ireland. Unlike some US states where Remote Online Notarisation (RON) is legislatively enabled, Irish law requires that most notarial acts be performed in the physical presence of the notary public. This means you must attend Hugh Phelan's office in person for your notarisation appointment.

Why In-Person Notarisation Is Required

The requirement for physical attendance exists because:

• The notary must examine the original document — a digital image is not sufficient
• The notary must verify the identity of the person presenting the document in person
• The notary's physical seal must be applied to the document
• For oaths and declarations, the physical presence of the deponent is required

What Can Be Done Without Attending in Person?

While you must attend in person for the notarisation itself, you can do a lot remotely:

• Initial consultation by phone — discuss your requirements, get a fee quote, understand what documents to bring
• Document preparation — if a document needs to be drafted (e.g., a power of attorney), this can be arranged remotely in advance
• Post-notarisation — apostille and other authentication steps can often be handled by Hugh Phelan on your behalf
• Delivery — completed notarised documents can be sent by courier if you cannot collect in person

What About People Living Far from Cork?

If you live at a distance from Cork — whether in Limerick, Waterford, Kerry, or elsewhere — you will need to make the journey to Hugh Phelan's office for the appointment. Most appointments are completed in 20-45 minutes, making a day trip entirely practical for most of Munster. Hugh Phelan recommends calling ahead to ensure your appointment is as efficient as possible so travel time is minimised.

Future of Online Notarisation in Ireland

Legislation is evolving. The Law Reform Commission and the Department of Justice have examined options for remote notarisation in Ireland. It is possible that in future years, limited forms of remote notarisation may become available. Hugh Phelan will update his services as legislation changes.

Book Your In-Person Appointment

For now, the most efficient approach is to call 021-489-7134, arrange your appointment, and attend Hugh Phelan's office in Douglas, Cork with your documents and ID. Most appointments are completed efficiently with no waiting.