Notarization is a formal process in which a Notary Public confirms that a document was voluntarily signed by a verified individual. It helps prevent fraud and ensures your document will be legally recognized. In Nigeria, a Notary Public must be a qualified legal practitioner with at least seven years of post-call experience and is officially appointed by the Chief Justice. The Notary Public Act of 2023 permits notarization to be conducted either online or in-person, and both are fully valid under the law. Here is how each one works:
Online Notarization
Several platforms now support online notarization in the Nigeria, including LegalNG, NotaryHelper and many others. Below is step-by-step guide using NotaryHelper, one of the commonly used platforms. The same process generally applies elsewhere.
Phase 1: Prepare the Document
Before you begin the process, carefully read the document you intend to notarize and ensure you agree with its contents. Also, the document should be in PDF format.
Phase 2: Select Notary Lawyer
Visit notaryhelper.com and browse the available notary lawyers. You may filter results by price, ratings, or other criteria to select the most suitable option. The service typically cost between ₦9,000 and ₦15,000. Once you have selected a notary lawyer, proceed to fill the online notarization form.
Phase 3: Submit Details
While filling out the online form, you will also see a section for making payments. You are to provide the following details:
- Personal Info: Enter your name and other basic information. If you’ve previously undergone an official name change, there will be a space to indicate it.
- Document to be notarized: Upload the PDF exactly as downloaded. Do not fill in your name, signature or date directly on the downloaded document. All those details will be inserted by the notary lawyer after verification.
- Government-issued ID or NIN Number: Upload a clear copy of a valid government-issued ID or just your NIN number
- Signature: Provide your signature by drawing it directly within the online form. This signature will be inserted into the document by the notary lawyer after verification.
Phase 4: Notary Review
The notary lawyer will verify that the name and details you submitted match your identification documents. Once verification is complete, the lawyer will:
- Insert your details (name, signature, and date) into the document
- Apply their official notarial seal, stamp, and signature. Which completes the notarization process.
Phase 5: Delivery and Confirmation
Your notarized document will be emailed to you within a day. Once you’re satisfied with the final document and confirm delivery. Your payment will then be released to the notary lawyer.
In-Person Notarization
If you prefer to meet a notary face-to-face, simply schedule an appointment at any law firm within your location. Bring along your printed document and a valid ID. The notary will review and certify the document during your visit. Costs for in-person notarization generally range from ₦7,000 – ₦20,000, depending on the location and reputation of the firm.
Final Thoughts
Both online and in-person notarization offer distinct benefits. Consider your needs, timeline, and budget to determine which option is right for you.