How Much Does a Notary Public Cost in Ireland?

Q: How much does a notary public cost in Ireland?

Notary public fees in Ireland are not fixed by statute and vary between practitioners. Fees vary depending on the type and complexity of the document. Contact Hugh Phelan's office on (021) 489 7134 for a specific quote.

Q: Are notary public fees regulated in Ireland?

No. Unlike some other jurisdictions, notary public fees in Ireland are not regulated by statute. Each Notary Public sets their own fees. However, fees should be reasonable and proportionate to the work involved.

Q: Is notarisation more expensive than a Commissioner for Oaths?

Yes, generally. Notarisation involves higher fees because it requires specialist qualifications and provides international recognition. A Commissioner for Oaths charges less but their service is only valid for domestic use within Ireland.

One of the most common questions we receive is "how much does a notary public cost?" This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of notary public fees in Ireland, what factors affect the cost, and how to get the best value for your notarisation needs.

Notary Public Fees in Ireland: Overview

Notary public fees in Ireland are not regulated by statute — each Notary Public sets their own fees based on the complexity of the work, the type of document, and the time involved. However, fees should always be reasonable and proportionate.

As a general guide, here are the typical fee ranges you can expect in 2025:

Standard Notarisation

Single document notarisation: contact office for a quote
Additional documents at same appointment: Reduced rate per additional document
Urgent/same-day service: May attract a premium

Certified/Notarised Copies

Notarised copy of passport, certificate, etc.: contact office for a quote
Multiple copies at same appointment: Reduced rate per additional copy

Powers of Attorney

Simple specific power of attorney: contact office for a quote
General power of attorney: contact office for a quote
Complex or multi-jurisdictional: contact office for a quote

Corporate Documents

Board resolutions, certificates of incumbency: contact office for a quote
Multiple corporate documents: Bulk rates often available

What Affects the Cost?

Several factors influence notary public fees:

Complexity: A simple certified copy costs less than a complex power of attorney for international use.
Number of documents: Most notaries offer reduced rates for multiple documents at the same appointment.
Urgency: Same-day or out-of-hours service may cost more.
Destination country: Some countries have specific requirements that add complexity and time.
Drafting: If the notary needs to draft the document (rather than just notarising one you provide), this is additional work.
Number of signatories: Documents requiring multiple people to sign add time and complexity.

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Notarisation vs Commissioner for Oaths: Cost Comparison

A Commissioner for Oaths typically charges a lower fee for witnessing a document, while a Notary Public charges a higher fee reflecting the specialist nature of the service. The difference reflects the additional qualifications, international recognition, and specialist nature of notarisation. For documents staying in Ireland, a Commissioner for Oaths is usually sufficient and more cost-effective. For documents going abroad, notarisation is essential and the higher cost is unavoidable.

Additional Costs to Consider

Beyond the notary's fee, you may need to budget for:

Apostille fee: The DFA charges a fee per apostille (check the DFA website for current rates).
Translation: If a certified translation is needed, this is a separate cost.
Embassy fees: For consular legalisation, embassies charge their own fees.
Postage: If sending documents to the DFA by post, registered postage both ways.

How to Save on Notary Fees

Bundle documents: Have all documents notarised at one appointment for better rates.
Prepare properly: Arrive with all documents, ID, and instructions ready to avoid wasted time and return visits.
Ask for a quote: Call the notary's office in advance to get a clear fee estimate.
Check requirements first: Ensure you actually need notarisation rather than simple certification.

Frequently Asked Questions