The popular term ‘notarization,’ is the official fraud-deterrent process that assures the parties of a transaction that a document is authentic.
It is conducted by a Notary Public - a public official that the state or central government appoints to be an impartial witness in performing a three-part process which includes vetting, certifying, and keeping records.
At SAU-IEC, it is strongly recommended that all graduates notarize their diploma and transcript to ensure a smooth transition to the next stage of their lives - be it further studies or employment.
Considering Notarization can be quite daunting and challenging, the following are a few vital things to note.
First and foremost, you have to identify the relevant notary office before going for notarization of the documents. Do thorough research and find only genuine notary public appointed by the state or central government and contact their office for an appointment.
Once you get the appointment, prepare all the documents that require notarization. Carry at least one valid identification (preferably a passport) and any documents, paperwork, or additional information that might be required.
After Notarization, the Notary stamp or the seal on the documents indicates that the documents and the identification presented to the notary public are authentic. Hence, the notarization of documents is complete to the best of the knowledge of the notary public. The seal is the universally recognized symbol of the Notary office. Its presence gives a notarized document considerable weight in legal matters and renders it genuine on its face in a court of law.
A copy certification is performed to confirm that a reproduction of an original document is true, exact and complete. Such originals might include college degrees, passports and other important ‘one-and-only’ personal documents which cannot be copy-certified by a public record office, and which the holder must submit for some purpose but does not want to part with the originals for fear of loss.
The specific charge for notarizing a documents may depend on some factors including but not limited to the form of Notarization required and the country which the notarized document is to be presented. Normally it takes about 7 working days to complete notarization. Express service may however be provided at an extra charge.
