NOTARY QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
Your notary
questions.
Practical guidance for your visit to David Sweeney in Cork, with direct links to the Faculty of Notaries Public and the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Appointments & fees
How do I book a notary appointment in Cork?
Contact Sweeney Solicitors on Freephone 1800 246442 or email info@sweeneysolicitors.ie. Tell the office what you need notarised, the country where it will be used and any deadline. Please wait for confirmation from the office before travelling to 15 South Terrace.
Can I visit without an appointment?
Please arrange your visit in advance. That gives the office a chance to discuss your documents and explain the preparation needed. An enquiry does not reserve a time; your appointment must be confirmed.
How much does notarisation cost?
There is no single fixed fee for every notarial act. The work required and the nature of your documents affect the fee. Give the office the details so that the fee for your appointment can be discussed in advance.
Can you help if my document is urgent?
Call the office and explain your deadline before making travel arrangements. Availability and the work involved need to be checked. If further authentication is required, allow for that separate process too; an appointment is not a guarantee of completion by a particular deadline.
Preparing your documents
What identification do I need for a notary appointment?
Ask the office to confirm what applies to you. The Faculty recommends bringing your original passport and recent evidence of your home address, such as a utility bill. If you do not have a passport, discuss alternatives before the visit. A photograph or scan should not be assumed to replace an original.
Should I sign or fill in the document beforehand?
Complete the information you know, but leave any signature that must be witnessed until the notary tells you to sign. If you are unsure about a field, ask before the appointment. Bring the instructions supplied by the person or organisation requesting the document.
What should I bring for a certified copy?
Tell the office which document needs to be copied and provide the receiving organisation’s instructions. Ask which originals are required and whether a particular certificate or wording has been requested. Confirm these details before travelling.
Can a document in another language be notarised?
Raise this with the office in advance. You must understand the document and its effect. Translation or advice may be needed before the appointment. The Faculty explains that notarisation does not automatically mean the notary has verified the meaning of foreign-language text.
Is legal advice included in notarisation?
Notarisation does not automatically include advice about whether you should sign or the document’s effect under another country’s law. Any legal advice needs to be expressly agreed. Obtain appropriate advice about the document before signing if you are unsure.
What if I am signing on behalf of a company?
Tell the office that you are acting for a company and explain your role. Additional evidence of the company’s identity and your authority may be required. Ask which company records and identification to provide, and how to supply them securely.
Documents for overseas use
What is the difference between notarisation and an apostille?
Notarisation is the notary’s act, such as witnessing a signature. An apostille is a separate certificate authenticating an official signature or seal and the capacity of the person who signed. In Ireland, apostilles are issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs. Check what the receiving organisation requires.
Will my document need an apostille or legalisation?
That depends on the destination and the receiving organisation’s requirements. Some documents need further authentication after notarisation. Obtain clear instructions from the recipient and discuss them with the office before your visit. Do not assume that a notarial certificate alone will be sufficient.
Where can I find the official Irish apostille service?
Use the Department of Foreign Affairs website for its application process, fees and current service arrangements. Check those details directly when planning your application. Arranging a notary appointment with David is separate from applying to the Department.
Can I arrange notarisation for someone else?
You can contact the office to discuss the enquiry, but a person whose signature must be witnessed generally needs to attend personally and satisfy the notary’s identity checks. Explain the circumstances before booking.
About the notary service
What does a Notary Public do?
Notaries carry out formal acts including witnessing signatures, authenticating documents and administering oaths. The act required depends on the document and its purpose. Tell the office what has been requested so that David can consider the appropriate service.
Who will I see for my appointment?
The service is provided by David Sweeney, Notary Public and Managing Partner of Sweeney Solicitors. Appointments take place at the Cork practice, 15 South Terrace. Contact the office to discuss your requirements and arrange a suitable time.
Should I send my passport or documents through this website?
The initial enquiry is for a brief description only. Do not include passport numbers or sensitive document details. Ask the office how to provide any material needed for your appointment. The review website’s form does not send or save enquiries.