What is a Signature Certification/Notarization?
Signature certification/notarization is the formal acknowledgment of a physical person’s signature on any type of document. The purpose of signature certification is to establish proof that the signer’s identity has been verified by a trusted third party. In France, a public notary, acting as a public official, has general authority to certify the signature of a person, whether French or foreign, on any type of document.
Typically, signature certification/notarization is required by the person or organization receiving the signed document. It guarantees that the individual designated as the signer in the document is indeed the one who has physically signed it. As such, signature certification provides formal assurance of the document’s validity, eliminating the risk of disputing the signer’s identity and, consequently, the document’s validity.
In practice, the public notary certifies the signer’s signature on the signed document by declaring that they have confirmed the signer’s identity and witnessed the signer physically affixing their signature. Given these requirements, signature certification can only be carried out in the presence of both the signer and the notary. Therefore, the certification of a copy of a signature (e.g., on a document copy) or an original signature outside the signer’s presence is not possible. (see: How to obtain a signature certification?)
Signature certification/notarization by a French public notary is valid for documents to be presented either in France or abroad. However, when the document is intended for use abroad, the notary’s signature certification may need to be accompanied by an apostille or legalization, depending on the destination country.
Signature certification/notarization can be performed for individuals and professionals acting on their behalf or on behalf of their company (see: What is a Certificate of Capacity for a Company Director?) .
The notarial office Chassaint & Cerclé Notaires in Paris (France) assists individuals and professionals in completing the necessary steps for signature certification. For more information, click here.
