Have you been asked to provide a notarised document for an application, business transaction, school admission, immigration process or other official purpose?
You may be wondering:
What exactly does notarisation mean?
Which documents can be notarised?
Do I need to visit a law office?
Can I start the process online in Nigeria?
These are common questions, particularly when you have been given a deadline or an organisation has simply told you to “submit a notarised copy” without explaining what that means.
At Ajibade Chambers, you can conveniently start your document notarisation request online by submitting your document for professional review and receiving guidance on the appropriate next steps.
👉 Start here: https://ajibadechamber.com/online-notarisation/
This guide explains what document notarisation means, why it may be required, the types of documents commonly presented for notarisation and how to begin the process.
What Is Document Notarisation?
Document notarisation is a formal process performed by an authorised Notary Public.
Depending on the document and its intended purpose, the process may involve verifying identity, witnessing a signature, certifying a copy, confirming the execution of a document or carrying out another appropriate notarial act.
The exact requirements can depend on:
The type of document
The person presenting or signing it
What the document will be used for
The organisation requesting it
The country where it will be submitted
Whether an original document must be examined
Whether a signature must be witnessed
Other applicable legal or verification requirements
This is why proper notarisation should not be confused with simply placing a stamp on a document.
A Notary Public first needs to understand the document and the purpose for which the notarisation is required.
Why Are Documents Notarised?
Notarisation may be requested where an organisation requires additional formal verification concerning a document, copy, signature or declaration.
You may encounter a request for notarisation when dealing with:
International Applications
Documents intended for use outside Nigeria may sometimes need to undergo a notarial process before they are accepted by the receiving organisation.
Education and Academic Applications
Universities, professional bodies and other educational organisations may request notarised copies of particular certificates, transcripts or supporting documents.
Business Transactions
Companies and individuals may require certain agreements, resolutions, authorisations and other business documents to undergo an appropriate notarial process.
Immigration and Travel-Related Documentation
Some international applications may require specific documents to be notarised or otherwise formally authenticated.
Property Transactions
Certain property-related documents may require certification, witnessing or other legal formalities.
Official Declarations
Affidavits, statutory declarations, Powers of Attorney and other formal documents may have specific execution or verification requirements.
However, it is important to remember that not every document automatically requires notarisation.
If you are unsure about what has been requested, you can submit the document for review.
👉 Submit your document: https://ajibadechamber.com/online-notarisation/
What Types of Documents May Require Notarisation?
There is no single category of document that covers every notarial request.
Depending on the circumstances, documents presented for notarisation may include the following.
1. Academic and Educational Documents
These may include:
Degree certificates
Diplomas
Academic transcripts
Professional certificates
Educational records
Training certificates
Other academic documentation
If an institution has specifically requested a notarised document, confirm exactly which document and type of certification it requires.
2. Affidavits and Statutory Declarations
These can include:
Affidavits
Statutory declarations
Sworn statements
Statements of fact
Other formal declarations
Because these documents can have legal implications, it is important that the appropriate procedure is followed.
3. Contracts and Agreements
Certain personal and commercial documents may be presented for notarial review, including:
Contracts
Business agreements
Memoranda of Understanding
Authorisation letters
Commercial documents
Partnership-related documents
The exact requirements will depend on the transaction and intended use.
4. Corporate and Business Documents
Companies may also require notarial services concerning documents such as:
CAC documents
Certificates of incorporation
Board resolutions
Corporate authorisations
Company records
Share-related documents
Documents relating to directors or shareholders
Additional supporting information may be required depending on the nature of the corporate transaction.
5. Powers of Attorney
A Power of Attorney can give another person authority to act on someone’s behalf.
Because of the legal significance of these documents, appropriate verification and execution requirements may apply.
If you have been asked to provide a notarised Power of Attorney, it is advisable to have the document reviewed before proceeding.
6. Personal and Identity Documents
Depending on the purpose, people may be asked to provide appropriately certified or notarised copies of documents such as:
Passports
Identification documents
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Driver’s licences
Other personal records
Always confirm the exact requirement of the organisation requesting the document.
7. Property and Real Estate Documents
Documents connected with property transactions may include:
Property agreements
Deeds
Authorisations
Declarations
Supporting property documentation
Other real estate instruments
Property transactions can have significant legal consequences. Notarisation should therefore not be treated as a replacement for appropriate legal advice concerning the underlying transaction.
8. Documents for International or Official Use
One common reason people seek notarial services is because a document will be submitted outside Nigeria.
This may arise in connection with:
Overseas education
International employment
Immigration processes
Professional registration
International business
Cross-border transactions
Overseas property matters
Other official applications
Notarisation may not necessarily be the final step for every document intended for international use.
Depending on the destination country and receiving organisation, additional authentication, legalisation or other requirements may apply.
Is Notarisation the Same as Signing a Document?
No.
Signing a document and having it notarised are not necessarily the same thing.
Depending on the required notarial act, a Notary Public may need to verify your identity, examine an original document, witness a signature or perform another formal function.
If your signature needs to be witnessed, you should not automatically sign the document beforehand.
Ask for professional guidance first.
This can help prevent unnecessary delays or having to execute the document again.
Is a Notarised Document the Same as an Original Document?
Not necessarily.
An original document is generally the document originally issued or executed.
A notarised or certified copy involves a formal process concerning a copy or document depending on the particular requirement.
For example, if an organisation tells you:
“Please provide a notarised copy of your degree certificate.”
That does not necessarily mean surrendering your original certificate.
However, the original document may need to be examined as part of the process.
Who Is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public performs recognised notarial functions concerning documents, signatures and transactions where appropriate.
The role can be particularly important where documents are intended for formal transactions or submission to organisations in Nigeria or internationally.
A proper notarial process is therefore more than simply printing, scanning or stamping a document.
The required notarial act should be determined based on the document and circumstances.
Can You Start Document Notarisation Online in Nigeria?
Yes, depending on the document and applicable requirements, you can begin the process online.
Ajibade Chambers allows clients to submit documents online for preliminary review.
This means you do not necessarily need to make an initial journey to a law office simply to find out what is required.
You can submit the document, explain what you need it for and receive guidance on the appropriate next steps.
Ready to get started?
👉 START YOUR ONLINE NOTARISATION REQUEST
https://ajibadechamber.com/online-notarisation/
How the Ajibade Chambers Online Notarisation Process Works
The process begins with a few straightforward steps.
Step 1: Submit Your Details
Complete the online request form with the relevant information.
This may include your:
Full name
Email address
Phone number
Document type
Purpose of notarisation
When explaining the purpose, be as clear as possible.
For example:
“The university I am applying to has requested a notarised copy of my degree certificate.”
Or:
“I have been asked to submit this document for an international business transaction.”
This helps the legal team understand what you are trying to achieve.
Step 2: Upload Your Document
Upload a clear digital copy of the document you need reviewed.
Before uploading, check that:
All relevant pages are included
The document is readable
Nothing important has been cropped out
You have selected the correct document
The scan or photograph is clear
Supporting documents are included where appropriate
Poor-quality or incomplete documents may make the review process more difficult.
Step 3: Document Review
Your submission is reviewed to understand:
The nature of the document
Its intended purpose
The appropriate notarial act
Whether additional information is required
Whether identification may be required
Whether other supporting documents are necessary
This is an important stage because different documents may have different requirements.
Step 4: Receive Professional Guidance
After reviewing the document, you can be informed about the appropriate next steps.
Where necessary, you may be asked to provide:
Valid identification
Original documents
Additional pages
Supporting documentation
Information about the receiving organisation
Destination country
Additional verification information
You can also be informed about the applicable professional fees and process.
Step 5: Complete the Required Verification and Notarial Process
The actual process will depend on the type of document and the notarial act required.
Some matters may require additional identity verification, witnessing, execution or other formalities.
Starting online provides convenience, but this should not be interpreted as meaning that every notarial matter can necessarily be completed entirely remotely.
The appropriate process will be explained after review.
Step 6: Receive Your Completed Document
Once the applicable requirements have been satisfied and the appropriate notarial act has been completed, the document can be made available in accordance with the applicable process.
What Should You Prepare Before Starting?
Before submitting your document, it can help to have the following available:
The document you have been asked to notarise
A clear explanation of its intended purpose
Details of the organisation requesting it
The destination country, where applicable
Valid identification where required
The original document if it may need to be examined
Any instructions received from the requesting organisation
If you received an email stating exactly what type of certification or notarisation is required, keep it available.
Those instructions may help determine the correct process.
Common Document Notarisation Mistakes to Avoid
1. Assuming Every Document Needs Notarisation
Not every official document requires notarisation.
Confirm the requirement before proceeding.
2. Confusing Notarisation With Other Processes
Terms such as notarisation, certification, authentication and legalisation should not automatically be treated as meaning exactly the same thing.
The receiving organisation should tell you what it requires.
3. Uploading Blurry Documents
Make sure every page is readable.
A clear scan is preferable where available.
4. Uploading Only Part of a Document
If your document contains several pages, provide the complete document unless instructed otherwise.
5. Signing the Document Too Early
If your signature must be witnessed, signing the document before receiving guidance could create complications.
Ask first.
6. Waiting Until the Deadline
Don’t wait until the day before an international, academic or official deadline before starting the process.
Additional requirements may become apparent during document review.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Document Notarisation
Can I upload my document from my phone?
You can begin your request online using an appropriate device, provided the document you submit is clear and complete.
Can I submit more than one document?
Where multiple uploads are permitted, you can provide the relevant documents and clearly explain what you require.
How do I know whether my document can be notarised?
Submit the document together with information about what it will be used for.
The document can then be reviewed and you can receive guidance on the appropriate next steps.
Do I have to visit the office?
Not necessarily.
Whether a physical step is required depends on the document and the notarial process involved.
You can begin by submitting your document online.
Can Nigerians living abroad use the service?
Depending on the transaction and applicable legal and verification requirements, remote processes may be available for eligible matters involving Nigerians outside the country.
Submit your document and circumstances for review.
Can documents for use outside Nigeria be notarised?
Documents intended for international use are one reason people seek notarial services.
However, requirements differ between countries and organisations.
Additional authentication or legalisation may sometimes be required.
Tell the legal team the destination country and purpose of the document when submitting your request.
How long does notarisation take?
Processing time depends on factors such as:
Document type
Required notarial act
Verification requirements
Whether corrections are necessary
Whether supporting documents are missing
Complexity of the request
Starting early is advisable where you have a submission deadline.
How much does document notarisation cost?
Professional fees can depend on:
Type of document
Number of documents
Required notarial act
Complexity
Verification requirements
Intended use
Additional services required
Your request can first be reviewed so that the applicable requirements can be determined.
Why Choose Ajibade Chambers for Your Notarisation Request?
Important documents deserve professional attention.
Ajibade Chambers combines legal experience with the convenience of an online document submission process.
Professional Legal Review
Your document is reviewed to help determine the appropriate legal and notarial requirements.
Qualified Notary Public
The appropriate notarial process is handled through a professional legal practice.
Start From Anywhere
You can begin your request online without making an unnecessary preliminary trip simply to submit your document.
Clear Professional Guidance
Where additional information, verification or action is required, you can receive guidance on what to do next.
Convenient Digital Process
Online submission makes it easier to provide your documents and communicate regarding your request.
Professional Handling
Your documents should be treated with the appropriate professional care and confidentiality expected when dealing with legal documentation.
Not Sure What Type of Notarisation You Need?
You don’t need to understand all the legal terminology before contacting a Notary Public.
Perhaps:
“My university told me to notarise this certificate.”
“I need this document for an overseas application.”
“My employer asked me for a notarised copy.”
“I need this document for a business transaction.”
“I was simply told that the document must be notarised.”
That’s enough information to begin the conversation.
Submit the document and explain what you intend to use it for.
Need a Document Notarised?
Don’t spend time trying to determine every legal requirement on your own.
Start by submitting your document for professional review.
START YOUR NOTARISATION REQUEST ONLINE
👉 https://ajibadechamber.com/online-notarisation/
Ajibade Chambers
Call / WhatsApp: +234 806 000 2523
Upload your document, explain what you need it for and receive professional guidance on the appropriate next steps.
Ajibade Chambers — Professional Legal & Notarial Services.
