A notary public is a public officer who serves the public in non-contentious matters usually concerned with foreign or international business. Notaries are appointed by the Chief Justice. In general only solicitors are appointed.

What do notaries public do?

Notaries certify the execution in their presence of a deed, a contract or other writing. They can also verify some act or thing done in their presence. Among the things they do are:

• Authenticating documents
• Witnessing and proving signatures to documents
• Administering oaths
• Taking affidavits (other than for the courts in Ireland)
• Drawing up Powers of Attorney and other legal documents customarily
• prepared by notaries public