How to Become A Notary In South Africa

A notary is a person authorized to perform acts in legal affairs, in particular witnessing signatures on documents.

What does a notary do in South Africa?

A Notary specializes in the drafting and legalization of certain documents that have to be used as official documents abroad or within the Republic of South Africa. When documents have been notarized by a Notary, they are assumed to be complete and legal.

Who is a public notary in South Africa?

A Notary Public in South Africa is an admitted attorney who has passed the competency examination for Notarial Practice, and who has been admitted as a Notary Public by the High Court of South Africa. The Notary Public holds a respected office which is internationally recognized.

What kind of work does a notary do?

Notaries and notary signing agents manage and witness signatures on official documents. These duties include the following: Document execution (legally binding signatures) Affirming the state of mind of all signees

Career Requirements

There is no degree required to become a notary, but a certificate or an associate’s degree in criminal justice, political science, or paralegal studies might be helpful for professional advancement.

You do have to have a commission, or license granted through the state and experience may be required, depending on your employer. In addition, you’ll need strong organizational, multitasking, interpersonal, typing and Microsoft Office skills, along with attention to detail and the ability to pass background check with no previous convictions.

Below are steps to Become A Notary In South Africa

Step 1: Submit Application

Applications to become a notary public are generally available from the secretary of state’s (SOS) office or website. The application requests information about criminal history, prior notary commissions and basic identifying information.

Depending on the state, applicants could be required to include an oath of office, which must be notarized and sworn to under the penalty of perjury.

Step 2: Attend Training

Notary public applicants are required to complete training covering the legal requirements and duties of this office. This training is necessary because, as a holder of an official state office, the notary is expected to know the laws governing their official duties.

Some states offer the classes online, while other states require the applicant attend the training in person. These training programs are intended to prepare the applicant for the notary public exam.

Step 3: Pass a Notary Exam

Some states require applicants to take the notary exam in person. Other states offer computer-based, online testing. After the exam is submitted, the state will advise an applicant if he or she passed within a certain time frame. If an applicant passes the exam, the state will provide him or her with a notary commission certificate and instructions for filing an oath of office.

Step 4: Purchase Notary Public Materials

Upon being notified of passing exam results, an applicant is required to purchase a journal or record book to record the official acts he or she will perform (if journal-keeping is required by the state) and a notary public seal. The state will provide a list of authorized vendors who sell the notary seal, along with an authorization for the notary to make that purchase.

Step 5: Take and File an Oath

A notary public is required to take an oath of office. The oath of office may be administered by the county clerk’s office, where the notary must appear in person.

The notary must also present his or her surety bond, if required, at the time the oath is administered. Once the oath of office is filed by the stare-required method, the notary can begin performing the official functions of the office

How can I become a notary in South Africa?

An admitted attorney who has passed the practical notarial examination may, on application to the High Court of South Africa, be admitted and enrolled as a Notary Public.

Do you need a degree to be a notary In South Africa?

There is no degree required to become a notary, but a certificate or an associate’s degree in criminal justice, political science, or paralegal studies might be helpful for professional advancement.

How much does it cost to notarize a document in South Africa?

Notarial Fees

Apostille Certificate:R350.00 per document (including notarisation, high court or DIRCO attendance)
Authentication Certificate:R450.00 per document (including notarisation, high court, DIRCO and embassy legalisation) *excludes embassy fees.
Notarised copy:R100.00 per document (including photocopying)

Is there a difference between a notary and notary public In South Africa?

There is no difference between a notary public, a public notary and a notary they’re all the same thing. In addition to this, every Public Notary in Sydney has their signature, seal or stamp registered with the Supreme Court of New South Wales and the Society of Notaries of NSW (if they are a member).

Who is a public notary in South Africa?

A Notary Public in South Africa is an admitted attorney who has passed the competency examination for Notarial Practice, and who has been admitted as a Notary Public by the High Court of South Africa. The Notary Public holds a respected office which is internationally recognized.

What kind of work does a notary do In South Africa?

Notaries and notary signing agents manage and witness signatures on official documents. These duties include the following: Document execution (legally binding signatures) Affirming the state of mind of all signees.

How long does it take to become a notary In South Africa?

If your state requires training, an exam, or other requirements, the process can take 7 – 9 weeks. It may take more time if the state is processing a lot of renewal applications too. If your state’s requirements are minimal, the process to become a Notary can take up to 4 weeks.

What do you call a notary person In South Africa?

​ The “Notary Public” term refers to those who are accredited, authorized, or licensed by the Judicial Department to attest and notarize customary documents and to practice all functions specified under the Law.

Is a policeman a notary?

In South Africa, there are two types of public officers who can perform services related to confirming identities and witnessing documents of a legal and binding nature. The one that is most commonly used is a Justice of the Peace. This is a Notary Public, also known as a Public Notary.