How to Obtain a Signature Certification/Notarization?
Signature certification/notarization is the formal acknowledgment of a physical person’s signature. It is not a confirmation of the legal validity of the signed document but rather a verification of the authenticity of the signature affixed by the signer on the document.
To certify a person’s signature on a document, the notary must first verify the person’s identity and then confirm that this person has indeed signed the document in his/her presence.
In line with these requirements, the signer of a document wishing to have their signature certified must appear in person before the public notary (usually at the notary’s office) with an original photo ID. Any identity document, whether French or foreign, is generally accepted (national identity card, passport, residence permit, etc.). However, copies of identity documents are not accepted for signature certification.
The document must be signed in front of the public notary and in his/her presence. Therefore, pre-signed original documents or copies of signed documents cannot be certified, even if they are presented directly by the signer.
After confirming the signer’s identity and witnessing their signature, the notary affixes a certification notation beneath the signature, then signs and stamps it with their official seal. The certification process usually only takes a few minutes. To expedite the process, the signer is asked to send a copy of their ID and the document(s) to be certified before the appointment.
For businesses and professionals (lawyers, banks, insurance companies, multinational corporations, etc.) who cannot visit our office and/or for transactions requiring one or more signature certifications during business meetings, a notary from the firm can travel to conduct the necessary certifications.
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.
