Frequently Asked Questions About Notary Services in Singapore | NotariseSG

 

Helping You Understand the Legal Process

Welcome to our Notary Public Frequently Asked Questions page. Here, we provide clear answers to common questions about notarisation, certified true copies, SAL authentication, Apostille services, and document legalisation in Singapore.

Whether you are an individual or a business, our Notaries guide you through every step efficiently and professionally. This FAQ helps you understand the services we provide and how to prepare your documents correctly.

What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is a legally authorised professional, appointed by the Chief Justice, who verifies the authenticity of documents. In addition, they witness signatures, certify copies, and provide notarial certificates for local and international use. At NotariseSG, we actively guide you through the process, ensuring your documents meet all legal requirements.

Who can act as a Commissioner for Oaths?

Qualified lawyers authorised to administer oaths and statutory declarations in Singapore serve as Commissioners for Oaths.

What's the difference between a Notary Public and a Commissioner for Oaths?

Notaries certify documents for foreign use. Meanwhile, Commissioners for Oaths handle affidavits and statutory declarations for local purposes. Understanding this distinction helps you choose the correct certifier for your documents.

What services does a Notary Public provide in Singapore?

At NotariseSG, we assist with powers of attorney, affidavits, statutory declarations, commercial contracts, and other important documents. In addition, we handle SAL authentication and legalisation for overseas use.

Why do I need a Notary Public?

You may need notarisation to comply with foreign legal requirements, verify identity, certify documents, or witness affidavits. Using a notary ensures documents are legally accepted abroad.

Can I make an appointment online?

Yes, you can make an appointment with us via email or phone. Or by submitting our request form

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring the original documents, your ID (e.g., NRIC or passport), and any special instructions provided by the receiving authority.

What is a certified true copy?

A certified true copy is a photocopy of an original document verified by a Notary Public or Commissioner for Oaths as an accurate representation of the original.

When do I need a certified true copy?

You often need certified true copies for immigration, banking, school admissions, or submission to foreign authorities. We verify your original documents and certify copies accurately, saving you time and ensuring legal validity.

Can digital documents be certified as true copies?

Yes. You must present the original digital file (e.g., on a phone or laptop) during the appointment for verification.

Who is authorised to certify documents in Singapore?

Notaries Public and Commissioners for Oaths can certify documents, depending on the intended use.

How much does it cost to certify a true copy?

Fees depend on whether the certification is done by a lawyer or a Notary Public, and whether the certification is in standard or customised wording.  To be certain, please email us the requirements at office@vickiheng.com.

What is a notarial certificate?

A Notary Public issues notarial certificates to confirm the authenticity of notarised documents. In addition, these certificates often accompany documents submitted for international transactions, educational purposes, or legal proceedings. Certificate(s) are prepared by the Notary Public to confirm the particular notarial act.

What is SAL authentication?

The Singapore Academy of Law (SAL) verifies the authenticity of the Notary Public’s signature.  The SAL also affixes an apostille on the documents.   This step is mandatory for all notarised documents.

How much does SAL authentication cost?

The fee for each document is S$87.20. For more information, please refer to the Singapore Academy of Law website.

Do I need a notarial certificate for each document?

Yes. Each document that is notarised and sent to the SAL requires its own certificate.

How long does SAL authentication take?

Typically, SAL processes documents within 1 working day. Embassy legalisation timelines vary.

Can someone else submit to SAL on my behalf?

Yes. You may authorise a proxy to handle submissions. If we go on your behalf, we charge an additional fee of S$100.  The authenticated documents will be sent to your office or residence.

What is an apostille?

Countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention require apostilles for notarised documents. In contrast, other countries may require consular legalisation. We guide you through both processes, depending on your destination country.

Does SAL issue apostilles?

Yes. SAL provides apostilles for eligible documents submitted through a notary.

Do I need an apostille or legalisation?

This depends on the requirements of the country where the document will be used. Your notary will assess your documents and provide clear guidance, ensuring you submit them correctly and avoid delays.

Do you offer video witnessing?

Yes. Our team facilitates video witnessing and remote notarisation where legally permitted. In addition, we provide clear instructions to ensure compliance with all regulations.

Can notarised translations be certified?

Yes, provided the translator affirms the accuracy of the translation.

Can I send someone to handle my notarisation?

Yes. A properly authorised representative may attend or collect documents on your behalf.  However, if the Notary Public is to witness your signature, then you will have to attend personally.

What is the turnaround time for most services?

The turnaround time depends on the work undertaken. If no Embassy legalisation is required, we generally complete the process within 1 to 3 working days.

For documents requiring Embassy legalisation, the timing depends on the particular Embassy. We deposit the documents with the Embassy and then return to collect them once the Embassy contacts us.

Our fees for taking documents to SAL, the Embassy, and back to your office or residence range between S$300 to S$450, depending on the volume of documents.

Can you print or photocopy for me?

Yes we can for a charge of S$0.15 per page in black and white or S$1 per page in colour.  In the case of voluminous documents, an administrative fee may be levied.  

Can you provide a scanned copy of the notarised documents?

Yes we can for an administrative fee of S$10 or more depending on the number of pages involved.  Please understand that notarised documents are bound with ribbon and cannot be scanned via autofeeder.

Tel: +65 6219 9027
Email: office@vickiheng.com
Appointment hours:
Monday – Friday: 9.30am – 5.30pm

Address:
140 Upper Bukit Timah Road,
#03-08 Beauty World Plaza,
Singapore 588176

By MRT:
Beauty World MRT Station (DT5) – Exit A

Driving:
Park at Beauty World Plaza basement carpark

Address:

140 Upper Bukit Timah Road,
#03-08 Beauty World Plaza,
Singapore 588176