Notarising a document today requires the same anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering formalities as apply on opening a new bank account. The rules are very strict.

You must satisfactorily prove your identity and place of residence and the Notary must keep the identification records for five years.

This process has to be repeated every time you go to the Notary unless you have been with the same Notary within the previous three months.

Passport

You must prove your identity, and that means producing your original passport.

Lesser proof will only be accepted for compelling reasons which must be satisfactory to the Notary.

The Notary will give no assurances in advance that your substitute document of identification will be acceptable.

If your passport number is given in the document to be notarised, then the passport must be produced, without exception.

If any other identifying detail is given in the document to be notarised (such as Identity Card number or tax number), then whatever document proves that other detail must also be produced.

Utility Bill

You must prove your current residential address by producing a recent utility bill (not being a mobile phone bill) addressed to you at your stated address within the previous three months.

Corporate Documents

If the matter concerns a corporate entity. The Notary may require you to produce vouching documentation in respect of the Company (or other entity) . Corporate Constitution (Memorandum and Articles of Association), Certificate of Incorporation,  CRO up to date company print off, print out from the Register of Beneficial owners. It may be necessary to obtain the ID documents for the beneficial owners and the Company officers (Directors  / Secretary).  The Notary will explain what is required and this will depend on the nature of your business and what is involved on a case by case basis.