What Are the Legal Requirements for Becoming a Notary Public in Singapore?

A notary public carries a serious job. This person checks, confirms, and seals documents so they can travel across borders. In Singapore, the law builds a clear path for lawyers who want to take on this trusted role.

Many people search for notary Singapore services. But few understand the hard work it takes to become one. This guide walks you through the steps, showing exactly what the law asks for and why it matters.

Who Can Become a Notary Public?

In Singapore, not everyone can wear the title of notary. The law chooses only experienced lawyers for this job. They must own a valid practising certificate and keep a clean record.

Before anyone applies, they must already work as a lawyer in the Supreme Court of Singapore. This requirement helps protect the trust placed in notaries.

If someone skips these rules, the court turns away their application quickly. Only those who follow the right steps earn the right to hold this legal post.

Legal Experience Requirement

The law demands more than just a licence. To qualify, a lawyer must practise law in Singapore for at least 15 years. These years must include active work in the legal world without major trouble.

This rule exists for a reason. The seal of a notary public carries power. Other countries rely on it to trust documents. Only skilled professionals should handle such serious duties.

Long years in law help a notary spot mistakes, catch fake papers, and guide others with steady hands.

Appointment by the Board of Commissioners

Lawyers who tick all boxes may then apply. The Board of Commissioners for Oaths and Notaries Public watches over this step. They check the documents and dig into the person’s work history.

This board operates under the Singapore Academy of Law. They collect full proof of legal work and current certificates. Applicants also describe their legal duties in detail.

If someone fakes or hides facts, the board stops the process. They only approve people who walk a straight path in law.

The Role of the Supreme Court

Once the Board approves, the case moves to the Supreme Court. Here, a judge reads the application and looks at the lawyer’s record. If anything looks unclear, the judge may ask for more proof.

The court controls the final say. When it agrees, the court grants permission, and the lawyer takes an oath. From this moment, the lawyer now serves as a notary public in Singapore. This final step makes the title official and gives the person full authority.

Renewal and Regulation

A notary cannot keep the role forever without checking in. In Singapore, the title lasts for one year. After that, the notary must ask for renewal.

This process helps the legal system stay clean. The notary proves they still act wisely and follow the rules. The Singapore Academy of Law lists all approved notaries. People can look up the name before trusting their papers with anyone.

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What Documents Do Notaries Handle?

A notary Singapore professional deals with many paper tasks. These include:

●     Confirming personal ID documents

●     Watching someone sign a legal paper

●     Preparing papers for use in other countries

●     Approving powers of attorney for travel or business

Notaries carry tools like seals and records to stamp these papers correctly.

Sometimes, the Singapore Academy of Law or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may need to double-check the notary's work for extra proof. When people move, work, or study abroad, they often rely on a notary to prepare their papers correctly.

Who Can Become a Notary in Singapore?

Before you apply, check if you meet every rule. This table helps you see it all clearly:

Requirement	What You Need to Do
Citizenship	Be a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
Legal Title	Act as an Advocate and Solicitor in Singapore
Certificate	Own a valid practising certificate
Experience	Work in law for at least 15 years
Application Body	Apply through Singapore Academy of Law
Final Step	Gain approval from the Supreme Court
Renewal	Repeat yearly to keep the title

Use this guide before sending in any documents.

Duties and Responsibilities

A notary public must do more than stamp papers. They read carefully, ask strong questions, and make sure every fact lines up. One mistake can cause big legal trouble, so they must check twice before they act.

They confirm names, witness signatures, and give out notarial certificates. These certificates show the world that the document is real and honest.

The job also calls for clear records. A notary must write down everything they verify, in case someone needs to double-check later.

What Happens If a Notary Breaks the Rules?

When a notary fails to follow the law, the system acts fast. The court may remove the title and stop the person from working. If the mistake is big, the person may lose the right to work as a lawyer too.

Singapore takes this job seriously. The trust of others sits on the notary’s shoulders.

Firms like Prasanna Devi understand these rules well. They train their people and help the public handle important legal steps with care.

Why Renewal Matters?

Renewing the title each year keeps the standards strong. The notary must show that they still serve the public with skill and care.

The Singapore Academy of Law watches closely. If someone fails to meet standards, they do not earn another term.

This system rewards honesty, skill, and hard work. It also helps protect the people who rely on notaries every day.

When in doubt, check trusted providers like Prasanna Devi for guidance and support.

Conclusion

Becoming a notary takes time, training, and trust. Only lawyers with deep experience earn the right. The law sets high bars to protect the public and build faith in the legal system.

If you plan to follow this path, understand the rules and stay ready for the steps. If you need a notary to help with your papers, choose someone who holds the title legally and acts with care.

Notaries serve as guards for truth. They sign, seal, and confirm documents so that people around the world can trust what they see. That role deserves full respect.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a Notary Public in Singapore?

A Notary Public is a senior lawyer appointed to witness signatures, certify documents, and perform official acts for use overseas.

2. Who can apply to become a Notary Public in Singapore?

Only qualified lawyers with at least 15 years of continuous legal practice in Singapore may apply.

3. Who appoints Notaries Public in Singapore?

The appointment is made by the Board of Commissioners for Oaths and Notaries Public under the Supreme Court of Singapore.