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Certification and authentication
Do you need to have a signature or a copy of a document certified, or a particular fact attested? These are quick, everyday notarial acts. We will explain exactly what the notary certifies so that you come prepared.
What this service means
What the notary certifies and attests
When certifying, the notary confirms a particular fact or form — not the truthfulness of the content of the document. It is important to know this in advance:
- Certification of the authenticity of a signature (legalizácia) — the notary confirms that the document was indeed signed by the given person (that person signed it before the notary or acknowledged the signature as their own). The notary does not examine or confirm what is written in the document.
- Certification that a photocopy matches the original (vidimácia) — the notary confirms that the copy corresponds exactly to the original submitted. Again, the notary does not confirm the truthfulness of the content.
- Certification of a legally significant fact — for example, that a document was submitted and when, the course of a general meeting, or that someone is alive.
- Securing evidence — recording a state of affairs or a fact in the form of a public deed for possible later use.
Certification of a signature is not the same as certification of a copy — these are two different acts. And you do not have to have a signature or a copy certified only by a notary: official certification is also carried out by a municipality or a district office. The notary is one of the options — and, in addition, acts as an impartial public officer. For documents intended for use abroad or drawn up in a foreign language, the notary is the competent authority.
If you plan to use the document abroad, further certification may be required (an apostille or superlegalisation). We will advise you what will be needed in your case.
The procedure
How it usually proceeds
Certification of a signature: you come with an identity document and the document; you sign before the notary or acknowledge the signature as your own; the notary attaches the certification clause.
Certification of a copy: you submit both the original and the photocopy; the notary compares them and certifies that they match by means of a clause.
Certification of a fact: you describe the fact to be certified; the notary certifies it by means of a clause or draws up a notarial deed.
Let's arrange a meeting
Write to us or call — we will agree on an appointment and prepare a list of documents for your matter.
Do not send sensitive documents by ordinary e-mail without prior arrangement with the office.