Somewhere in the middle of your visa application, university admission, or business contract, you hit one instruction, ensure all documents are notarized,” and everything stops.
Most people panic at this point because they don’t know what to do. But the process is simpler than it sounds.
This guide breaks down exactly how to notarize a document in Nigeria, physically or online, step by step, so you can get it done without the stress.
Key Takeaways
- You can notarize a document in Nigeria physically at a licensed notary public office or online through licensed platforms.
- Before you visit a notary, make sure your document is filled out, unsigned, and that you have a valid government-issued ID and your notarization fee ready.
- Notarization in Nigeria has no fixed price; costs range from ₦10,000 to ₦50,000 and above, depending on your document type, location, and the notary you use.
- The entire notarization process takes as little as 10 minutes online or up to a few hours physically, depending on the notary’s availability and the complexity of your document.
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What you need before you start your notarization process
Before you start, confirm that your document is among the types of documents to notarize.
Common ones include educational certificates, powers of attorney, affidavits, birth certificates, and passport biodata pages.
Also, make sure you have these ready to avoid delays:
- Your documents, do not sign them yet; you must sign only in the presence of the Notary Public.
- Bring at least one government-issued ID card.
- Your notarization fee.
- For online notarization, ensure you have a stable internet connection, a working camera and microphone for the mandatory audio-visual session, and a scanned or clear digital copy of your document.
Where Can I Notarize a Document in Nigeria?
You can notarize a document in Nigeria physically with legal practitioners/ law firms or through licensed online platforms:
- Private legal practitioners or law firms: senior members of the Nigerian Bar Association who have been called to the Bar for at least seven years before they are appointed as a Notary Public can seal and verify documents in their chambers.
- Online Notarization: Under the Notaries Public Act 2023, documents can now be notarised digitally and remotely, on platforms like Oganotary or Naija Virtual Notary.
NOTE:
Always confirm that the notary is authorized by checking their Supreme Court number (SCN). You can also use the Electronic Notary Register to verify a notary’s credentials and the authenticity of a notarized document.
How to Notarize a Document Physically in Nigeria
What is physical notarization?
Physical notarization is when you visit a licensed Notary Public in person at their office or law firm to get your document certified.
You show up, verify your identity, sign your document in front of the Notary, and they stamp and sign it on the spot.
That stamp and signature are what make your document legally valid and officially accepted.
Step-by-step guide for physical notarization
- Prepare the document: Ensure your document is complete and accurate. Do not sign the document yet; it must be signed in the physical presence of the Notary Public.
- Locate a Notary Public: Find a licensed Notary Public physically or through the Notary register.
- Identity Verification: Present a valid form of identification to the Notary. The Notary must confirm your identity and ensure you fully understand the contents of the document you are about to sign.
- Sign and Seal: You will sign the document while the Notary watches. The Notary will then affix their official seal or stamp and their signature.
- Recording: The Notary will record the transaction in a permanent register they are required to maintain.
How to Notarize a Document Online in Nigeria
Due to the importance of notarization, which includes prevention of fraud, making documents legally valid, protecting everyone involved, and its recognition internationally, the Notaries Public Act 2023 has made the process of notarizing a document easier by introducing an online notarization process
What is online notarization?
Online notarization is when you get your document certified by a licensed Notary Public over the internet, no office visit required.
Instead of showing up in person, you connect with a Notary through a secure platform and have an audio-visual session. The final result is a legally valid PDF that is accepted just like a physically notarized document.
How does the audio-visual session work?
The audio-visual session is basically a short video call between you and the Notary Public, where the notary public verifies your identity and completes the notarization process. Here is what happens:
- The Notary will ask you to show your valid ID on camera for identity verification.
- They will confirm that you understand the contents of the document you are signing.
- You will sign the document digitally while the Notary watches in real time.
- The Notary applies their electronic signature and digital seal
- The entire session is recorded for legal purposes
Step-by-step guide for online notarization
- Select a Platform: Visit a verified digital platform of your choice.
- Account Setup & Upload: Create an account, select your document type (e.g., Power of Attorney, Affidavit, or Educational Certificate), and upload the file.
- Payment: Complete a secure online payment; payment varies with platform and the type of document you want to notarize.
- Audio-Visual Verification: You must participate in a real-time audio-visual session with the Notary. This system must be clear enough for both parties to see and hear each other, and it must include two-factor identification to confirm your identity.
- Digital Execution: The Notary reviews the document digitally and applies a secure electronic signature and digital seal. They also prepare an electronic notarial certificate to attach to the document.
- Download: Once approved, you can download the notarised document as a PDF, which is court-recognised and legally valid across Nigeria.
How Much Does It Cost to Notarize a Document in Nigeria?
There is no fixed cost for notarizing a document in Nigeria.
The price depends on the type of document, the notary public you visit/ online platform, and your location.
Here is a general cost breakdown to help you budget:
|
Document type |
Price range |
|
Affidavits and statutory declarations |
₦10,000 – ₦30,000 |
|
Educational certificates |
₦15,000 – ₦40,000 |
|
Birth/marriage certificates |
₦15,000 – ₦35,000 |
|
Certificate of identity (individual) |
₦10,000 – ₦25,000 |
|
Power of Attorney |
₦20,000 – ₦50,000 |
|
Business / corporate documents |
₦50,000 and above |
Tip:
Always confirm the fee with your notary before your appointment to avoid surprises.
How Long Does It Take to Notarize a Document in Nigeria?
Notarization in Nigeria takes 10-30 minutes to a few hours:
- Online notarization: takes 10-30 minutes with a good network.
- Physical notarization: 1-3 hours, depending on the availability of the notary public.
- Complex documents: for complex documents, it can stretch to 2-3 days when using a law firm.
Frequently Asked Questions
The easiest way to get a document notarized is through a digital notarization platform.
No, not every lawyer in Nigeria can notarize a document. he/she must be a notary public.
No, you have to pay a fee to the notary public.
Conclusion
In Nigeria, you can now notarize your document in the traditional physical way or through a licensed online platform.
Factors like the type of documents, the notary public you visit, the online platform you used, and your location determine the cost of notarization.
Experiencing difficulty with your notarization? Or are you confuse on the process and need professional assistance? Contact experts at Visa.NG for help.
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