Notary Public License Obtaining in Nepal: Eligibility, Process, and Responsibilities

Introduction

A notary public officer in Nepal, often referred to as a “Lotri Public Officer,” plays a vital role in the legal and administrative system. Notaries public are authorized to certify documents, administer oaths, witness signatures, and verify the authenticity of documents for legal and official purposes. Obtaining a license as a notary public is a regulated process under the Notary Public Act, 2063 (2007) and the Notary Public Rules, 2063, ensuring that only qualified and reputable individuals can perform these duties.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for a notary public license in Nepal, applicants must meet certain educational and professional requirements. Primarily, the applicant must be a law practitioner with continuous experience in legal practice for a minimum of seven years. Alternatively, retired government officials of at least Gazetted Class Two level from the judicial service are also eligible to apply. Applicants must also be Nepalese citizens and must possess good character, with no prior criminal convictions, insolvency declarations, or mental health issues that could affect their professional judgment.

Application and Examination Process

Prospective notary public officers must submit a formal application to the Notary Public Council, the governing body responsible for regulating notarial services in Nepal. The council evaluates the applicant’s qualifications, professional background, and legal expertise. Once the eligibility is confirmed, applicants are required to appear for and pass the notary public examination conducted by the council. This examination tests the applicant’s knowledge of the Notary Public Act, related laws, procedures for document certification, translation, oath administration, and ethical standards.

Training and Certification

Upon passing the examination, candidates often undergo orientation or training programs organized by the Notary Public Council. These programs familiarize applicants with the practical aspects of notarial work, including proper documentation procedures, verification methods, witness handling, and ethical responsibilities. After successfully completing the training, the council issues the official notary public license, allowing the individual to legally certify documents, administer oaths, and perform other duties as a notary public in Nepal.

Duties and Responsibilities

A licensed notary public officer is entrusted with several critical responsibilities. These include certifying the authenticity of documents, verifying signatures, translating official documents, and administering oaths for affidavits, contracts, and legal declarations. The officer is also required to maintain records of notarized documents, follow the council’s code of conduct, and ensure that all notarization procedures comply with the law. By performing these duties, notary public officers play an essential role in maintaining the integrity of legal and administrative processes in Nepal.

Conclusion

Obtaining a license as a notary public officer in Nepal is a structured and rigorous process that ensures only qualified and reputable individuals are entrusted with this responsibility. From meeting strict eligibility criteria to passing examinations and completing training, applicants must demonstrate legal knowledge, professional competence, and ethical integrity. Licensed notaries contribute significantly to the legal system by providing certified, reliable, and lawful verification of documents, supporting transparency and trust in both public and private affairs.

-Kalpana Sitoula