{"id":7048,"date":"2024-10-07T14:28:39","date_gmt":"2024-10-07T07:28:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/champ-lawfirm.com\/?p=7048"},"modified":"2024-10-07T14:44:59","modified_gmt":"2024-10-07T07:44:59","slug":"notary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/champ-lawfirm.com\/en\/notary\/","title":{"rendered":"What is a Notary Public"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Table of Content<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"#1\"><span style=\"color: #333399;\">What is a Notary?<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#2\"><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Types of Notaries and Their Functions<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#3\"><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Examples of Documents Requiring Notary Services<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#4\"><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Steps for Proper Legal Notarization<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#5\"><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Choosing Notary Services Appropriately<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"#6\"><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Conclusion<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<span class=\"scroll-to\" data-label=\"Scroll to: #1\" data-bullet=\"false\" data-link=\"#1\" data-title=\"Change this\"><a name=\"1\"><\/a><\/span>\n<div class=\"is-divider divider clearfix\" ><\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #333399;\">What is a Notary?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>A Notary, or Notary Public, is an individual authorized to certify signatures and documents to confirm that these documents are genuine and legally valid.<\/p>\n<p>Therefore, Notary services enhance the security of transactions involving documents.<\/p>\n<p>Those qualified to perform this role must be certified and licensed by the relevant authority.<\/p>\n<p>In Thailand, this means that a lawyer must be certified and licensed by the Lawyers Council first.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">The roles and responsibilities of a Notary include<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Signature Certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This involves verifying and certifying that the individual signing the document is indeed the person they claim to be, thereby preventing document forgery.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Certified Copy of Documents<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This service certifies the accuracy of copies of documents, such as passports,<\/p>\n<p>household registration documents, legal papers, or documents used in international transactions, confirming they match the original.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Legal Documents Certification<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This service is crucial when documents are used for legal actions abroad, such as contracts, appointing lawyers, or granting power of attorney.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Witnessing Signatures<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A Notary acts as a witness to the signing of documents, confirming the identity of the signer through identification cards or relevant documents.<\/p>\n<span class=\"scroll-to\" data-label=\"Scroll to: #2\" data-bullet=\"false\" data-link=\"#2\" data-title=\"Change this\"><a name=\"2\"><\/a><\/span>\n<div class=\"is-divider divider clearfix\" ><\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Types of Notaries and Their Functions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The types of Notaries can be classified into several categories<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Traditional Notary (Notary Public)<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>This is the common form found in many countries, such as the USA, Canada, and the UK, which utilize a common law system.<\/p>\n<p>Their primary role is to create ordinary documents, which do not serve as formal records. In case of legal disputes,<\/p>\n<p>evidence must be presented in court (which is the model used in Thailand).<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Main functions include<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Certifying signatures on legal documents<\/span>, such as contracts, wills, or business papers.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Certifying that copies of documents<\/span> are accurate replicas of the originals.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Acting as a witness<\/span> for the signing of important documents.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Certifying legal testimony<\/span> or oaths of truthfulness.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Civil Law Notary<\/span><br \/>\nFound in countries using a civil law system, such as Japan, France, Germany, Spain, or Latin American countries.Their role includes compiling and preparing documents as stipulated by law, which are considered public documents.In legal disputes, the civil law notary must testify to the authenticity of these documents in court.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Main functions include<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Providing services<\/span> for various documents related to transactions,<br \/>\nsuch as real estate sales, estate management, and appointing heirs.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Drafting legal documents<\/span> such as sales contracts,<br \/>\nwills, and business agreements.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Certifying signatures<\/span> and providing legal verification of documents.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Serving as a &#8220;consultant and contract drafter&#8221;<\/span><br \/>\nwith direct enforceability in court.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Notary Signing Agent<\/span><br \/>\nA specific type of Notary focused on financial or loan transactions, particularly in the USA.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333399;\"><strong>Main functions include<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Certifying loan documents<br \/>\n<\/span>mortgages, or home equity loans, as well as other financial documents related to credit transactions.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Witnessing the signing of property sale documents<\/span><br \/>\nsuch as land deeds or home sale contracts.<\/li>\n<li><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">International Notary<\/span><br \/>\n<\/strong>A Notary type with a role at the international level, certifying documents needed outside the jurisdiction of the originating country.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Main functions include<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Certifying documents required for use abroad<br \/>\nsuch as power of attorney documents, wills, or company formation documents in foreign countries.<\/li>\n<li>Providing certification for legal documents related to international transactions.<\/li>\n<li>Preparing Apostille documents (certified by governmental agencies for use abroad).<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Online Notary (Remote Notary)<\/span><br \/>\nA form of Notary that certifies documents via online systems, which has gained popularity in the digital age, such as in the USA and other countries that allow online transactions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Main functions include<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Certifying signatures on documents via online platforms, allowing signers to sign digitally through video calls.<\/li>\n<li>Verifying documents online and providing certification similar to standard procedures.<\/li>\n<li>Increasing convenience for signers who cannot visit a Notary\u2019s office in person.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<span class=\"scroll-to\" data-label=\"Scroll to: #3\" data-bullet=\"false\" data-link=\"#3\" data-title=\"Change this\"><a name=\"3\"><\/a><\/span>\n<div class=\"is-divider divider clearfix\" ><\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Examples of Documents Requiring Notary Services<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In Thailand, Notaries or attorneys certifying documents play a crucial role in confirming the authenticity of documents.<\/p>\n<p>Documents requiring Notary services are typically related to legal transactions, business, and international documentation.<\/p>\n<p>Examples of documents often requiring Notary services in Thailand include<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Documents used in business and trade<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Memorandum of Association<\/span><br \/>\nA document related to company registration submitted to the Department of Business Development.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Shareholder Meeting Minutes<\/span><br \/>\nA document recording resolutions from shareholder meetings, such as changes in directors or issuance of additional shares, which may require certification of the meeting resolutions.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Business Contracts<\/span><br \/>\nSuch as purchase contracts, employment agreements, loan agreements, or mortgages, which may require signature certification of the contracting parties.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Power of Attorney<\/span><br \/>\nTo authorize another person to act on behalf, such as signing business documents or conducting various legal actions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333399;\"><strong>Documents used in legal matters<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Wills<\/span><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong>Documents related to asset management after death, where the testator can use Notary services to certify their signature and confirm authenticity.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Affidavits or Declarations<\/span><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong>Documents providing sworn statements or testimony in court or legal proceedings to confirm facts in a case.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Legal Agreements<\/span><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong>Legal documents such as divorce agreements or property division agreements requiring accuracy and reliability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333399;\"><strong>Documents used for travel and relocation<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Passport and Visa Application Documents<\/span><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong>Documents needed for applying for or renewing passports or visa applications that may require certification.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Travel Consent for Minors<\/span><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong>If a guardian cannot travel with a child, a travel consent letter may need signature certification.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333399;\"><strong>Documents used for education<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Academic Transcripts<\/span><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong>Such as diplomas or academic records for further study or job applications abroad, which often require Notary services for document certification.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Certificates and Diplomas<\/span><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong>Required for use abroad, often needing certification for authenticity.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Documents related to international transactions<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">International Sales Contracts<\/span><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong>Contracts related to international buying or selling that require certification from a Notary for the documents to be enforceable abroad.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Overseas Company Registration Documents<\/span><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong>Such as branch office registration or business establishment documents abroad, which may require certification from a Notary before submission to foreign authorities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333399;\"><strong>Documents related to property<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Transfer of Ownership Documents<\/span><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong>Such as transferring ownership of homes, land, or other properties that must be certified for legal validity.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Mortgage and Loan Agreements<\/span><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong>For mortgages or loan agreements related to properties requiring accuracy and signature verification.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333399;\"><strong>Documents used in court proceedings<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Legal Complaints and Testimonies<\/span><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong>Documents necessary for filing complaints or proceeding in court, where certification ensures the correctness and reliability of the filing.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Bail Documents<\/span><strong><br \/>\n<\/strong>Documents related to bail that require certification from a Notary to be valid in legal proceedings.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t<div class=\"img has-hover x md-x lg-x y md-y lg-y\" id=\"image_1759764407\">\n\t\t<a class=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/lin.ee\/GjMuz8U\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"img-inner dark\" >\n\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/champ-lawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lawfirm-ads-2.png\" class=\"attachment-original size-original\" alt=\"champ lawyer and associates\" srcset=\"https:\/\/champ-lawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lawfirm-ads-2.png 1000w, https:\/\/champ-lawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lawfirm-ads-2-600x180.png 600w, https:\/\/champ-lawfirm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/lawfirm-ads-2-768x230.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\t\t\n<style>\n#image_1759764407 {\n  width: 100%;\n}\n<\/style>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\n<span class=\"scroll-to\" data-label=\"Scroll to: #4\" data-bullet=\"false\" data-link=\"#4\" data-title=\"Change this\"><a name=\"4\"><\/a><\/span>\n<div class=\"is-divider divider clearfix\" ><\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Steps for Proper Legal Notarization<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Notarizing documents legally in Thailand involves strict adherence to procedures to ensure that the certification complies with legal regulations and is practically usable.<\/p>\n<p>The steps include<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">1. Document Verification<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\nBefore certifying any document, the Notary (Notary Public) must verify the type of document for notarization, which could be<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Documents requiring signature certification.<\/li>\n<li>Documents needing certified copies.<\/li>\n<li>Documents requiring oaths or testimony.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">2. Identity Verification<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\nConfirming the identity of the individual requesting notarization is crucial to prevent forgery. Typically, the requester must present identification, such as a national ID card or passport.<\/p>\n<p>The lawyer will check<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Name and surname match the identification.<\/li>\n<li>Photograph on the ID matches the individual.<\/li>\n<li>ID number and other details are correct.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">3. Document Accuracy Verification<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\nThe lawyer must verify the content of the document for certification, ensuring<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Completeness without errors that may cause future harm.<\/li>\n<li>The document is eligible for certification under the law (e.g., documents containing incorrect or illegal content cannot be certified).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"color: #333399;\"><strong>4. Signing and Sealing<\/strong><\/span><br \/>\nOnce the lawyer confirms the document&#8217;s accuracy, the requester must sign the document in the presence of the lawyer (if it is a signature certification).<\/p>\n<p>The lawyer will then<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Sign the certification document in the designated area.<\/li>\n<li>Affix the Notary Public seal on the document to confirm proper certification.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">5. Administering Oaths or Testimony (if applicable)<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\nIf the document requires an oath or testimony, the lawyer must verify and have the requester give the legally accurate oath or testimony, then certify those testimonies.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">6. Record Keeping<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\nThe lawyer must document the certification process, which may include<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Details about the individual seeking certification.<\/li>\n<li>Type of document certified.<\/li>\n<li>Date and time of certification.<\/li>\n<li>Other necessary information for future verification.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">7. Delivering the Certified Document<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\nUpon completion of the certification, the lawyer will provide the signed and sealed document to the requester.<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">8. International Certification<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\nIf the document is needed abroad, after being certified by a Notary,<\/p>\n<p>it may need additional certification (Apostille) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand to ensure its validity in other countries that are parties to the Hague Convention<\/p>\n<p>or it may require certification from the embassy of the country where the document will be used.<\/p>\n<span class=\"scroll-to\" data-label=\"Scroll to: #5\" data-bullet=\"false\" data-link=\"#5\" data-title=\"Change this\"><a name=\"5\"><\/a><\/span>\n<div class=\"is-divider divider clearfix\" ><\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Choosing Notary Services Appropriately<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Choosing the right Notary service is crucial because document certification is linked to reliability and legal enforceability.<\/p>\n<p>The appropriate choice of Notary can help ensure that the documents you intend to use are accurate, complete, and compliant with legal requirements, both in Thailand and abroad.<\/p>\n<p>Here are guidelines for selecting Notary services<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Verify Qualifications<br \/>\n<\/span><\/strong>Check the Notary\u2019s qualifications and licenses, ensuring they have been authorized by the relevant authority.<\/li>\n<li><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Consult Experience<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\nLook for a Notary with relevant experience in the type of document you need to certify, especially for complex or legal documents.<\/li>\n<li><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Inquire about Fees<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\nUnderstand the fee structure, ensuring that it is reasonable and clearly stated.<br \/>\nConfirm any additional costs for document copies or other services.<\/li>\n<li><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Check Availability<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\nConfirm that the Notary is accessible when you need to schedule the certification.<\/li>\n<li><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Review Recommendations<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\nSeek recommendations or read reviews from others who have used their services for reliable opinions.<\/li>\n<li><strong><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Consider Accessibility<\/span><\/strong><br \/>\nDetermine whether the Notary is conveniently located or offers online services for flexibility.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<span class=\"scroll-to\" data-label=\"Scroll to: #6\" data-bullet=\"false\" data-link=\"#6\" data-title=\"Change this\"><a name=\"6\"><\/a><\/span>\n<div class=\"is-divider divider clearfix\" ><\/div>\n<h2><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Conclusion<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In conclusion, Notary services play an important role in ensuring the authenticity and legality of documents in various transactions, whether local or international.<\/p>\n<p>The functions of Notaries vary by type, and understanding these distinctions helps individuals and businesses choose the right services for their needs.<\/p>\n<p>Following the proper procedures for notarization ensures that the certified documents will be reliable and legally binding.<\/p>\n<p class=\"alt-font\"><span style=\"color: #333399;\">Article by Kroekkiat<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A Notary, or Notary Public, is an individual authorized to certify signatures<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":7212,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[85],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7048","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-contract-2"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/champ-lawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7048","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/champ-lawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/champ-lawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/champ-lawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/champ-lawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7048"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/champ-lawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7048\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/champ-lawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7212"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/champ-lawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7048"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/champ-lawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7048"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/champ-lawfirm.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7048"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}