Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our legal services
What is a Notary Public in Nepal?
A Notary Public in Nepal is an authorized professional appointed under the Notary Public Act, 2063 (2006) who has the legal authority to verify, attest, and certify various documents and signatures for official and international use.
What are the main functions of a Notary Public?
A Notary Public performs the following key functions:
- Verification and attestation of signatures
- Certification of copies of documents as true copies
- Translation and verification of translated documents
- Administration of oaths and affirmations
- Attesting declarations, affidavits, and statements
- Certification for use abroad (Apostille or Legalization process)
Why do I need Notary Services?
You need notary services to authenticate documents for:
- Visa, immigration, or study abroad purposes
- Legal contracts, agreements, or affidavits
- Educational or employment verification
- Property or financial transactions
- Submission to foreign embassies, universities, or courts
Without notarization, such documents may not be accepted as valid or genuine by concerned authorities.
Which documents can be notarized in Nepal?
The following documents are commonly notarized:
- Citizenship certificate, passport, and driving license
- Birth, marriage, and educational certificates
- Power of Attorney and Affidavits
- Contracts, agreements, and deeds
- Statements, declarations, and applications
- Bank and financial documents
Who can act as a Notary Public in Nepal?
Under Nepali law, only persons registered and licensed by the Notary Public Council of Nepal can act as Notary Public. Usually, they are lawyers (advocates), retired judges, or government officers who have obtained official authorization.
What is the validity of a notarized document?
A notarized document remains valid as long as the original document itself is valid, unless otherwise specified. However, some embassies or institutions may require notarization within a specific period (for example, within 6 months).
What is the difference between Notarization, Attestation, and Apostille?
- Notarization: Verification by a Notary Public that a document or signature is genuine.
- Attestation: Certification by a higher authority (e.g., Ministry of Foreign Affairs) confirming the notarization.
- Apostille: International certification under the Hague Convention (for countries that are members).
Can a Notary Public translate documents?
Yes. A registered Notary Public who has language proficiency may translate and verify documents. The notary must sign and stamp both the original and the translated copy to confirm authenticity.
How much do notary services cost in Nepal?
The fees are prescribed by the Notary Public Rules and may vary depending on the type of document. Generally, the cost ranges between NPR 100 to NPR 500 per page, but special cases like translation or certification for foreign use may cost more.
Where can I find a Notary Public in Nepal?
Notary Publics are available in:
- District Courts and nearby legal offices
- Private law firms and translation centers
- Kathmandu and all major cities across Nepal
You can also check the official list at the Notary Public Council, Nepal (www.notarycouncil.gov.np).
Are notarized documents accepted internationally?
Yes, notarized documents from Nepal are accepted internationally, especially when further legalized or apostilled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the concerned embassy of the destination country.
Can I notarize scanned or photocopied documents?
Yes, but the notary will verify the original document before certifying the photocopy as a "True Copy." Without seeing the original, notarization cannot be done legally.
How long does notarization take?
Normally, notarization can be completed within a few minutes to an hour, depending on the number of documents and verification required.
What happens if a notarized document is found to be fake?
If any notarized document is found fraudulent, the Notary Public may lose their license and both the person submitting the false document and the notary can face legal action under Nepali law.
Do I need to visit personally for notarization?
For signature verification and affidavits, your personal presence is required with a valid photo ID. However, for true copy certification or translation, your representative may submit the documents.