Notarizing documents is a crucial step to protect yourself from legal disputes and fraud. It involves having a notary public, who is a licensed official, verify the identity of the signatories and the authenticity of the document. Notarized documents have a higher level of legal credibility and validity than standard documents.
In the UAE, you have various options to notarize your documents, such as public and private notaries, and online notarization services. In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about notarizing documents in the UAE, including why, when, and how to do it.
Why notarize Documents?
Notarizing documents serves two main purposes: to prevent fraud and to provide more credibility.
- Prevent fraud: Notarizing documents helps to deter fraud by ensuring that the signatories are who they claim to be and that they have signed the document willingly and knowingly. If a document is notarized, it is very difficult to challenge its authenticity or validity in court, unless there is evidence of forgery. On the other hand, standard documents can be easily denied or disputed by the parties involved.
- Provide more credibility: Notarizing documents also gives them more weight and authority in legal matters. For example, if you have a notarized will, it is more likely to be respected and executed according to your wishes than a non-notarized one. Similarly, if you have a notarized power of attorney, it is more likely to be accepted and honored by the authorities and institutions than a non-notarized one.
- Another benefit of notarizing documents is that if they are damaged or lost, you can obtain a certified copy from the notary public who notarized them.
When to notarize Documents?
Notarization is usually required for documents that have legal implications or consequences, such as contracts, agreements, declarations, notices, resolutions, minutes, wills, affidavits, and proofs of signatures. However, the specific requirements for notarization may vary depending on the type and purpose of the document, as well as the jurisdiction and regulations involved.
Therefore, it is advisable to consult with a notary public or a legal professional before deciding whether or not to notarize a document. They can guide you on the best course of action and help you comply with the local laws and regulations. Here are some examples of situations where you may need to notarize a document in the UAE:
- Power of Attorney: If you want to appoint someone to act on your behalf in legal matters, such as court proceedings, property transactions, or bank accounts, you need to have a notarized power of attorney. This document gives the person you appoint the legal authority to represent you and act in your best interest.
- Ownership Contract: If you and your family members want to regulate your joint ownership of a property or a business in Dubai, you need to have a notarized ownership contract. This document specifies the rights and obligations of each owner and how to manage the common assets.
- Eviction Notice: If you are a landlord and you want to evict a tenant for violating the terms of the lease agreement, you need to serve them a notarized eviction notice. This document informs the tenant of the reason and date of the eviction and gives them a chance to rectify the situation or vacate the premises. If the notice is not notarized, it is invalid and unenforceable.
How to notarize Documents?
There are different ways to notarize documents in the UAE, depending on your preference and convenience. You can choose from the following options:
1. Public Notary: A public notary is a government official who is authorized to notarize documents. You can find public notaries in the courts or the Ministry of Justice offices in each emirate. To notarize a document with a public notary, you need to:
- Visit their office in person, along with the original document, a copy of the document, and your original Emirates ID or passport.
- Pay a fee, which varies depending on the type and language of the document.
The public notary will verify your identity, check the document, and stamp and sign it. They will also keep a copy of the document in their records.
2. Private Notary: A private notary is a legal professional who is licensed by the government to notarize documents. You can find private notaries in law firms or legal offices in each emirate.
To notarize a document with a private notary, you need to:
- Contact them and arrange an appointment.
- Provide them with the original document, a copy of the document, and your original Emirates ID or passport.
- Pay a fee, which is usually higher than the public notary fee.
The private notary will verify your identity, check the document, and stamp and sign it. They will also keep a copy of the document in their records.
3. Online Notary: An online notary or e- notary is a digital service that allows you to notarize documents remotely and electronically. You can access online notary services through the official websites or mobile applications of the Ministry of Justice or the Dubai Courts.
To notarize a document with an online notary, you need to:
- Register on the platform, upload the document, and verify your identity using your Emirates ID or passport.
- Pay a fee, which is usually lower than the public or private notary fee.
The online notary will review the document, and if approved, they will issue a digital stamp and signature. They will also send you a copy of the document by email or SMS.
What Documents Do You Need to notarize Documents?
To notarize a document in the UAE, you need to provide the following documents:
- Valid Emirates ID
- Valid original passport
- Proof of address – lease contract or utility bill or bank statement
You also need to make sure that the documents you want to notarize are legally translated into Arabic, as this is the official language of the UAE.
How Much Does It Cost to notarize Documents?
Different types of documents have different notarization costs. For example, the fee for certifying a will is Dh2,000, but the fee for a letter that confirms a debt is five per cent of the debt amount. So, the notarization cost changes based on the document.
How HHS Lawyers Can Help You notarize Your Documents in the UAE
Looking for notarization services in the UAE? Whether you need to certify a will, a power of attorney, a contract, or any other legal document, HHS Lawyers in Dubai can help you with fast, reliable, and convenient notary services. You can choose from in-person or online notarization, and get your documents verified by experienced lawyers and legal consultants. Contact HHS Lawyers today and get your documents notarized in minutes!
