Notary Public · Bangkok

Online Notary Public — Video Notarization for Anywhere

Skip the trip to Bangkok. NYC Legal runs Remote Online Notarization sessions on Zoom, Google Meet, or MS Teams — permitted by the Lawyers Council of Thailand for eligible document types. Our notary verifies your identity live, witnesses your signature, and returns sealed originals by courier within 24 hours.

Documents We Can Notarise Online

Not every document is eligible — Lawyers Council rules apply:

  • Power of Attorney ✅
  • Affidavit / statutory declaration ✅
  • Certified True Copy ✅
  • Signature authentication ✅
  • Documents requiring embassy legalisation — in-office recommended

Remote Notarization Steps

Works from home or office anywhere in Thailand and worldwide:

  • Send documents and passport 1 day ahead for pre-check
  • Book a Zoom slot (30–45 minutes)
  • Notary verifies identity on camera and witnesses signing
  • You post the signed originals to our office
  • Notary applies seal and returns via EMS/DHL within 24 hours

Why Choose Online Notary

Ideal for clients outside Bangkok, expats abroad, or busy executives.

  • Saves flights and hotels
  • Flexible time zones
  • Originals delivered to your door
  • Multilingual notaries (EN/CN/JP/KR)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1.Is online notarization legal in Thailand?

Yes for eligible document classes. The Lawyers Council permits video-conference notarisation when identity and signing are witnessed live.

Q2.Can I use it from abroad?

Yes — we serve clients in the US, UK, Australia, Japan, Singapore weekly. We align the session to your timezone.

Q3.What is the Online Notary fee?

From THB 1,500 per signature including EMS inside Thailand. International DHL charged at cost.

Q4.Which apps do you support?

Zoom, Google Meet, MS Teams, LINE video call — whichever you prefer.

Q5.How fast must I post the originals?

Within 3 days of the video session so we can seal and return promptly.

Related Notary Pages

Need a Notary Public right now?

Our Thai-licensed Notary Public attorneys serve Bangkok and remotely nationwide. Free consultation via LINE / WhatsApp.

10 from our master question bank, written fresh per page

Cross-service questions, answered by the NYC Legal team

411. How much does it cost monthly to register an employer and manage expat social security enrollments and resignations?

Electronic documents must be traceable to their source, so deliverables ship with an audit trail whenever the receiving party asks for one. If the receiving authority rejects a file for a reason attributable to our work, we correct and re-file it at no additional professional fee. Send your documents for a free assessment at +66-83-249-4999 or contact@nyconlinetranslation.com. Keep a digital copy of the finished certified set so it can be referenced if the destination asks for additional documents or a re-filing. Caution: never unbind, trim or separate pages after an authority has sealed the set — doing so voids the certification. Fix three facts before any work starts: the destination country, the exact authority the file goes to, and the language that authority requires. Those three decide the whole certification chain. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. Request more than one certified set when several authorities are involved, because most receiving offices keep the certified copy and do not return it. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

450. Where can I find a family law consultant for divorcing a foreigner and negotiating child support and custody rights?

Every nationality has a different document order, so we issue a nationality-specific checklist instead of one generic list. Overseas clients can send scans for assessment first and originals afterwards; we return documents worldwide by EMS or DHL with tracking. Tell us where the document will be used and you will get a plan and a price the same business day. Send scans of every page for review before sending originals; that is when faded seals, passport-spelling mismatches and expired documents can still be corrected. Caution: never unbind, trim or separate pages after an authority has sealed the set — doing so voids the certification. Keep a digital copy of the finished certified set so it can be referenced if the destination asks for additional documents or a re-filing. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. Request more than one certified set when several authorities are involved, because most receiving offices keep the certified copy and do not return it. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

519. Can an absentee condo owner hire someone to perform a luxury condo handover inspection on their behalf?

The whole workflow runs online, so clients abroad do not need to fly back to Thailand to sign every page. One coordinator owns the matter end to end and reports progress by LINE or email at the intervals you set. Tell us where the document will be used and you will get a plan and a price the same business day. The workable order is: check that the source document is complete and legible, translate it, certify the translation, file for legalisation with the Department of Consular Affairs, then obtain the destination embassy's certification — or an Apostille where the destination is a convention party. Caution: never unbind, trim or separate pages after an authority has sealed the set — doing so voids the certification. Fix three facts before any work starts: the destination country, the exact authority the file goes to, and the language that authority requires. Those three decide the whole certification chain. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

521. What is the screening process for conducting a criminal background check on foreign nannies or domestic helpers?

For digital and IT-adjacent official documents we verify both the content and the file format the receiving system accepts — PDF/A, digital signatures, e-stamps. One coordinator owns the matter end to end and reports progress by LINE or email at the intervals you set. Send your documents for a free assessment at +66-83-249-4999 or contact@nyconlinetranslation.com. Fix three facts before any work starts: the destination country, the exact authority the file goes to, and the language that authority requires. Those three decide the whole certification chain. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. Send scans of every page for review before sending originals; that is when faded seals, passport-spelling mismatches and expired documents can still be corrected. Caution: processing time depends on each authority's queue, so allow buffer before the date the document is actually needed. Request more than one certified set when several authorities are involved, because most receiving offices keep the certified copy and do not return it. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

414. Can you draft a Shareholders' Agreement to prevent future disputes in a company with foreign shareholders?

The whole workflow runs online, so clients abroad do not need to fly back to Thailand to sign every page. Government fees follow each authority's published rate, while professional fees are quoted per case by document count and destination, in full before work starts. Tell us where the document will be used and you will get a plan and a price the same business day. Send scans of every page for review before sending originals; that is when faded seals, passport-spelling mismatches and expired documents can still be corrected. Caution: processing time depends on each authority's queue, so allow buffer before the date the document is actually needed. The workable order is: check that the source document is complete and legible, translate it, certify the translation, file for legalisation with the Department of Consular Affairs, then obtain the destination embassy's certification — or an Apostille where the destination is a convention party. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

306. Do you provide European language interpreters to accompany applicants for embassy visa interviews?

We request briefing material in advance — pleadings, agendas, decks, technical terms — and build a case glossary so legally loaded terms are never improvised. Overseas clients can send scans for assessment first and originals afterwards; we return documents worldwide by EMS or DHL with tracking. Talk to the NYC Legal team on any business day — you get a working plan, not a generic price list. Private documents such as powers of attorney or contracts must first pass a notarial services attorney before they can enter the legalisation stage. Caution: processing time depends on each authority's queue, so allow buffer before the date the document is actually needed. The workable order is: check that the source document is complete and legible, translate it, certify the translation, file for legalisation with the Department of Consular Affairs, then obtain the destination embassy's certification — or an Apostille where the destination is a convention party. Caution: never unbind, trim or separate pages after an authority has sealed the set — doing so voids the certification. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

564. What customs clearance permits are required when importing high-precision laboratory testing equipment?

Electronic documents must be traceable to their source, so deliverables ship with an audit trail whenever the receiving party asks for one. Processing time depends on each authority's queue, so the working order and the expected return date are confirmed before any work begins. Tell us where the document will be used and you will get a plan and a price the same business day. The workable order is: check that the source document is complete and legible, translate it, certify the translation, file for legalisation with the Department of Consular Affairs, then obtain the destination embassy's certification — or an Apostille where the destination is a convention party. Caution: processing time depends on each authority's queue, so allow buffer before the date the document is actually needed. Send scans of every page for review before sending originals; that is when faded seals, passport-spelling mismatches and expired documents can still be corrected. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

Which office must be approached first for a premium document concierge service with a dedicated coordinator, and with which documents?

The jobs others decline — rare languages, low-traffic embassies, hard-to-read archival documents — are assessed case by case with an honest feasibility answer. Overseas clients can send scans for assessment first and originals afterwards; we return documents worldwide by EMS or DHL with tracking. Talk to the NYC Legal team on any business day — you get a working plan, not a generic price list. Request more than one certified set when several authorities are involved, because most receiving offices keep the certified copy and do not return it. Caution: each certification covers only what its own stamp states; it does not make a document automatically acceptable everywhere. Confirm the receiving authority's conditions case by case. Keep a digital copy of the finished certified set so it can be referenced if the destination asks for additional documents or a re-filing. Caution: processing time depends on each authority's queue, so allow buffer before the date the document is actually needed. Send scans of every page for review before sending originals; that is when faded seals, passport-spelling mismatches and expired documents can still be corrected. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

311. Can I hire a Korean technical interpreter for a factory audit and foreign staff training in an industrial estate?

Interpreters are matched to the setting: court and police station, government and embassy, medical, simultaneous booth work, and remote VRI/OPI. Quotations separate government fees from professional fees line by line, so nothing appears on the invoice that was not in the quote. Tell us where the document will be used and you will get a plan and a price the same business day. Fix three facts before any work starts: the destination country, the exact authority the file goes to, and the language that authority requires. Those three decide the whole certification chain. Caution: government fees follow the authority's published rate and are separate from professional fees; check the current rate on the official website first. Request more than one certified set when several authorities are involved, because most receiving offices keep the certified copy and do not return it. Caution: never unbind, trim or separate pages after an authority has sealed the set — doing so voids the certification. Keep a digital copy of the finished certified set so it can be referenced if the destination asks for additional documents or a re-filing. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

472. Can a Destination Wedding Planner in Phuket arrange a wedding venue and handle the legal marriage registration simultaneously?

Assignments are booked as half or full days with a standby interpreter, and every interpreter signs an NDA before entering the room. Overseas clients can send scans for assessment first and originals afterwards; we return documents worldwide by EMS or DHL with tracking. Send your documents for a free assessment at +66-83-249-4999 or contact@nyconlinetranslation.com. Request more than one certified set when several authorities are involved, because most receiving offices keep the certified copy and do not return it. Caution: processing time depends on each authority's queue, so allow buffer before the date the document is actually needed. Keep a digital copy of the finished certified set so it can be referenced if the destination asks for additional documents or a re-filing. Caution: government fees follow the authority's published rate and are separate from professional fees; check the current rate on the official website first. Send scans of every page for review before sending originals; that is when faded seals, passport-spelling mismatches and expired documents can still be corrected. Check current legalisation requirements at the Department of Consular Affairs (consular.mfa.go.th) and Apostille membership at hcch.net.

Primary sources & verification

Every procedural statement on this page is checked against the issuing authority below. Where an authority updates its requirements, this page is corrected — we do not restate outdated procedure.

Government fees quoted anywhere on this site are the authorities' own statutory rates. Our professional fees are quoted per case — contact us by phone, LINE or email for a written quotation.

Full service playbook — Notarial Services Attorney (Thailand)

Thailand has no common-law Notary Public. The equivalent is a Notarial Services Attorney, a lawyer certified and registered by the Lawyers Council of Thailand, whose certificates are accepted by most overseas authorities.

Responsible authority: Notarial Services Attorney registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand

Documents to prepare

  • Original passport or Thai ID of every signatory (shown in person)
  • The original document to be certified, all pages included
  • The photocopy to be certified, if you need a certified true copy
  • Any destination-specific form or power of attorney template
  • Company affidavit issued within 6 months plus director ID, for corporate files
  • An English translation where the source document is in Thai

Step-by-step process

  1. 1. Classify the certificate requiredsame day

    Decide between signature witnessing, certified true copy, affidavit/oath, or certification of translation — the wording differs for each.

  2. 2. Attend and sign before the attorney15–30 minutes

    Signatories sign in person with original ID; corporate files need the director named on the company affidavit.

  3. 3. Attorney signs, seals and logs the registersame day

    A certificate is attached to the document and entered in the register kept under Lawyers Council rules.

  4. 4. Proofread before use1 business day

    Verify names, dates, page count and binding against the destination's instructions.

  5. 5. Escalate to MFA or embassy if required3–10 business days

    If the destination expects consular legalisation, forward immediately so the file does not age out.

Practitioner tips

  • Ask the destination whether a Thai Notarial Services Attorney is accepted directly or must be followed by MFA legalisation.
  • Certify multiple documents in one sitting to keep register numbers sequential and traceable.
  • Match the Latin spelling of your name to your passport exactly — receiving authorities compare character by character.
  • Confirm whether the destination wants an original or a certified copy — the two follow different routes.
  • Photograph each seal or stamp after every stage so you can trace the file if follow-up is needed.

Cautions

  • An attorney cannot certify a signature that was not made in their presence.
  • Certification confirms the signature or the copy, not the truth of the content.
  • Do not write on, amend, or correction-fluid an official document; request a fresh copy from the issuing office instead.
  • Multi-page documents must be certified on every page where the rules require it, not only page one.
  • Unsigned translations cannot be certified — the certifying office will refuse to stamp them.

DIY vs NYC handling it

TaskDo it yourselfNYC handles it
Checking destination rulesYou read checklists and call around yourselfWe verify the current requirements and hand you one list
Multi-agency runningSeveral days off work, different queues and hoursWe run the whole chain end to end for you
Translation and certificationYou source a translator and risk rejectionTranslated, double-checked and certified in one package
Errors and re-filingOne mistake restarts the whole chainPre-submission checks at every stage reduce rejections
TrackingYou chase the status by phoneStage-by-stage updates on LINE with photo evidence

Prefer not to run it yourself? NYC can handle the whole chain

Every step above can be done alone, but it means several agencies, mismatched queues, and one mistake restarting the sequence. Our attorneys and translators cover requirement checks, document re-issue, certified translation and MFA or embassy legalisation, with status updates at each stage. Send photos of your documents for a free assessment first.

Compare the options before you decide

Thailand's notarial attorney vs a foreign Notary Public

Thailand has no Notary Public office in the international sense. Equivalent work is performed by a Notarial Services Attorney licensed by the Lawyers Council of Thailand.

AspectThailand: notarial attorneyAbroad: Notary Public
Who is authorisedAn attorney licensed for notarial services by the Lawyers CouncilA notary appointed by the state or a court
ScopeSignature certification, true copies, affidavits and translations where the law allowsVaries by jurisdiction
Usual next stepFile with the Department of Consular Affairs, then Apostille or embassyUsually the country's own central authority
In-person requiredYes — you sign in front of the certifying attorneyGenerally yes

Where the receiving body uses its own terminology, follow that wording rather than claiming an equivalent title.

Apostille route vs embassy legalisation route

The destination country decides whether a file ends at an Apostille or still needs the embassy. Confirm the country's convention status first: the two routes use a different order and different paperwork.

AspectApostille routeEmbassy legalisation route
When it appliesDestination is a party to the Apostille ConventionDestination does not accept an Apostille
Final authorityDepartment of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign AffairsThe destination country's embassy or consulate in Thailand
Typical number of stepsFewer — the chain ends at the central authorityMore — central authority first, then the embassy
Approximate timeframeShorter, still subject to the authority's queueLonger, because the embassy appointment queue is added
Common rejection causeTranslation does not match the original, or the copy was not issued by the authorityThe embassy's own form or language requirement was not followed

Verify the current convention status and embassy conditions before filing.

Filing it yourself vs letting NYC run the chain

Every step can be done alone. This table compares the real workload of each option so the decision rests on time and rejection risk rather than marketing claims.

AspectDo it yourselfNYC handles it
Checking destination rulesRead each authority's notice yourself and confirm by phoneChecked before you start, with the order the receiving authority accepts
TravelSeveral agencies with queues that rarely line up in one dayDocuments move by courier or online except where the law requires you in person
Rejection riskOne mismatch — a name spelled differently from the passport — restarts the chainNames, dates and stamps are cross-checked before every filing
Status trackingYou follow up with each authorityStatus updates at each stage, and we handle the fix if a file is returned
Advisory roleNo one to compare options when your case falls outside the manualYou get advice on the options before work starts, not just execution

Government fees and timeframes change; ask for an assessment of your own case before you start.

What the common mistakes actually cost

Almost every failure in notarial signature certification by a licensed attorney happens during preparation, not at the counter, and the real cost is the TIME needed to repeat the chain. Below is what each mistake comes from, how long it typically adds, and how to avoid it.

MistakeWhy it happensTime costHow to prevent it
Planning without allowing for public and embassy holidaysEmbassies close on both Thai and home-country holidays, so the real calendar is shorter than it looks.Typically adds 3–9 working days around a long holiday period.Check the holiday calendar of every body involved before fixing a travel or filing date.
Running the chain in the wrong order — embassy before the consular departmentEach body only certifies the signature of the body immediately before it in the chain.Typically adds 5–12 working days and forces a re-filing from the skipped stage.Confirm the route with the receiving authority before starting, or have us map the chain up front.
Self-translating, or using a translator the destination does not recogniseSome countries accept only registered translators, others only translations certified by a Thai government body.Typically adds 4–10 working days for a fresh translation and a restarted chain.Ask the destination exactly which form of translation it accepts, then match the translator to that form from the start.
The name in the translation does not match the passport spellingReceiving authorities compare character by character; a single different letter reads as a different person.Typically adds 3–10 working days, because the translation has to be redone and the whole chain repeated.Send the passport page on day one and have the translator take the spelling from the passport, never from the Thai document.
Filing an incomplete set — missing an ID copy or a power of attorneyCompleteness is checked at the counter; an incomplete file is not accepted at all.Typically adds 1–5 working days per return trip.Work from a written checklist and re-check it before leaving, including every copy that needs a signature.

Deep timeline: what can run in parallel

The windows below are approximate and depend on each authority's queue. Stages marked as parallel can start alongside the previous stage — that is where the total calendar time is actually reduced.

  1. 1. Document review and certificate wordingsame day

    We confirm whether you need a signature certification, a true-copy certification, or a statement of fact — each uses different wording.

  2. 2. Signing appointment in person1–2 working days

    The signatory must appear with an original ID or passport at the moment of signing.

  3. 3. Certificate issued and sealedsame day

    The certificate is issued with a register number and logged under Lawyers Council rules.

  4. 4. Onward legalisation, if the destination requires it3–10 working dayscan run in parallel

    For overseas use the file may still pass the consular department and then the embassy, in that order.

Note: all windows are general estimates, not guarantees. Actual timing depends on how complete your file is and on the queues at the authorities involved.

We work as advisers, not only as a document-running agency

Our team has worked on documents, translation and legalisation for more than 15 years, combining notarial attorneys licensed by the Lawyers Council of Thailand with translators the receiving authorities accept. Every case starts with advice on the correct route and only then moves to execution — we do not simply run whatever is handed to us.

Before we start — mapping the document route

We confirm whether your file ends at an Apostille or still needs the embassy, whether a freshly issued copy is required, and which form of translation the receiving authority accepts. This is where most time is saved, because it is where most people choose wrongly and restart.

While preparing — consistency checks

We match the spelling of your name against the passport, check the issue date against the validity window the destination applies, verify stamps and signatures, and confirm the translation matches the original line by line.

While filing — coordination with the authorities

We file in the order each authority expects, follow the queue, and report status as it moves. If an authority asks for more paperwork, you hear about it immediately, together with the options for fixing it.

After delivery — practical guidance

We explain which bodies this set can be filed with, how to store the originals, and how many certified sets to request up front if you expect to use them again, so you do not repeat the whole chain later.

Cases where advice up front changes the outcome

  • Documents have a limited validity window and every item must still be valid on the day of filing.
  • Documents are needed for several countries at once, each with a different order of certification.
  • A file was already returned once and the real cause has to be identified before refiling.
  • The name on an older document does not match the current passport because of a name change or a different transliteration.

If you are unsure which route your case takes, send photos of the documents and name the destination country or authority. We map the sequence and the paperwork first; you then decide whether to run it yourself or hand it over.

ประเด็นสำคัญที่ต้องรู้

คำถามที่พบบ่อย

Will the Notary result be accepted abroad?
It depends on the destination. Hague Convention member states accept an apostille directly; non-member states need an additional embassy legalization step.
I'm based in Online — do I need to visit the office?
No. Send originals by EMS or book a Bangkok pickup; completed documents are returned by domestic post or international courier.
How long does Notary take?
Standard turnaround is 5-7 business days; rush is 1-3 business days, counted from receipt of complete originals.
What does the Notary fee include?
Professional service fee, government fees at official rates, domestic EMS, and international courier where applicable — each listed separately in the quote.

Notary — Online Area

Most delays in "Notary" matters come from re-filing, not from the work itself. Our Notary Public Services in Thailand team therefore verifies destination requirements first and only then walks the file through the accepted sequence. For clients based in Online, we accept originals by courier or arrange a scheduled pickup. The handling team includes attorneys registered as Notarial Services Attorneys with the Lawyers Council of Thailand, translators recognized by the Ministry of Justice, and consular liaison officers. We separate our own fee from government charges and actual shipping cost, so the quote shows exactly where each baht goes. Two service windows are available: standard 5-7 business days, rush 1-3 business days.

Notary — service overview

  • Most delays in "Notary" matters come from re-filing, not from the work itself. Our Notary Public Services in Thailand team therefore verifies destination requirements first and only then walks the file through the accepted sequence.
  • For clients based in Online, we accept originals by courier or arrange a scheduled pickup. The handling team includes attorneys registered as Notarial Services Attorneys with the Lawyers Council of Thailand, translators recognized by the Ministry of Justice, and consular liaison officers.
  • We separate our own fee from government charges and actual shipping cost, so the quote shows exactly where each baht goes. Two service windows are available: standard 5-7 business days, rush 1-3 business days.

Notary document checklist

  • Original document required for Notary (or a freshly issued certified copy within its validity window)
  • Copy of national ID or passport, signed and dated as a true copy
  • Power of attorney (if a representative will handle it) with a 30 THB revenue stamp
  • Destination details: country, receiving authority, purpose, and required deadline

How Notary runs, stage by stage

  • 1. Send scanned copies of the Notary source documents via LINE/email for a free initial review.
  • 2. We confirm eligibility and issue a written quote with a committed turnaround.
  • 3. You deliver originals to our office (or book a Bangkok pickup) and pay a 50% deposit.
  • 4. We translate, certify, and submit to each Thai authority in the order the destination accepts.
  • 5. Final documents are scanned and emailed for your review before physical dispatch.
  • 6. We ship by EMS domestically and DHL/FedEx internationally, with tracking numbers.

Turnaround and cost structure for Notary

  • Standard turnaround for Notary: 5-7 business days from receipt of complete originals.
  • Rush turnaround: 1-3 business days (rush surcharge applies).
  • Government fees are charged at official rates with no markup.
  • Domestic EMS at Thailand Post rates; international DHL/FedEx at actual weight-based rates.

Re-filing triggers in Notary matters

  • Dates that disagree across documents — this must be fixed at the issuing agency; it cannot be corrected at the translation stage.
  • Skipping MFA legalization before the embassy step — this costs multiple trips and several weeks.
  • Name mismatch between the document and the passport — embassies reject these. Correct it at the district office before translating.
  • Originals outside the validity window — many destinations require documents issued within 3-6 months. Confirm with the receiving authority first.

FAQ

Will the Notary result be accepted abroad?
It depends on the destination. Hague Convention member states accept an apostille directly; non-member states need an additional embassy legalization step.
I'm based in Online — do I need to visit the office?
No. Send originals by EMS or book a Bangkok pickup; completed documents are returned by domestic post or international courier.
How long does Notary take?
Standard turnaround is 5-7 business days; rush is 1-3 business days, counted from receipt of complete originals.
What does the Notary fee include?
Professional service fee, government fees at official rates, domestic EMS, and international courier where applicable — each listed separately in the quote.

Notary Public in Thailand — In-Depth Practitioner Guide

Lawyer pressing an embossed notarial seal onto certified copies at a Bangkok law office desk
Editorial illustration (AI-generated, editorially reviewed — no real persons or brand logos depicted).

Regulatory & Standards Citations

  • สภาทนายความในพระบรมราชูปถัมภ์ระเบียบว่าด้วยการรับรองลายมือชื่อและเอกสาร (Notarial Services Attorney) พ.ศ. 2546 และที่แก้ไข [source]
  • Hague Conference on Private International LawConvention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (Apostille Convention) [source]
  • กรมการกงสุล กระทรวงการต่างประเทศแนวปฏิบัติการรับรองเอกสารเพื่อใช้ในต่างประเทศ [source]

Common Pitfalls (From Field Experience)

  • Signing before arriving at the notary — the signatory must physically sign in the notary's presence.
  • Using an expired passport or ID on the day of notarization voids the certification.
  • Self-translating documents rather than using a Ministry of Justice–listed translator often causes rejection abroad.
  • Conflating Notary with Apostille — Thailand is not (yet) a Hague Apostille state, so documents still require MFA + destination-embassy legalization.

Decision Tree

ประเทศปลายทางเป็นสมาชิก Hague Apostille?
Yes → ยังต้องรับรอง MFA ก่อน (ไทยยังไม่ใช่ภาคี — ทำ Legalization chain แทน Apostille)
No → ทำ Notary → MFA → สถานทูตปลายทาง
เอกสารเป็นสำเนา (copy) หรือต้นฉบับ?
Yes → ใช้ 'Certified True Copy' notarization
No → ใช้ 'Signature Witnessing' หรือ 'Affidavit' notarization
ต้องใช้ภาษาอังกฤษที่ปลายทาง?
Yes → แปลก่อน → นักแปลรับรอง → Notary รับรองลายมือชื่อนักแปล
No → Notary ต้นฉบับภาษาไทยได้ แต่ปลายทางอาจขอแปล

Options Compared

OptionBest forTimelineCost (THB)
Notary Public (ทนายโนตารี)ยืนยันตัวตน / สำเนาถูกต้อง / ลายมือชื่อ1 วัน1,000–2,500 / ฉบับ
MFA Legalizationรับรองเพื่อใช้ต่างประเทศ (ไม่ใช่ Apostille)2–4 วันทำการ (ปกติ) / 1 วัน (ด่วน)200 (ปกติ) / 400 (ด่วน) ต่อฉบับ
Embassy Legalizationขั้นสุดท้ายก่อนใช้ในประเทศปลายทางขึ้นกับสถานทูต (1–15 วัน)500–5,000 / ฉบับ

Scope of work: Notary Public / Notarial Services Attorney

Signature witnessing, certified true copies, affidavits and translation certification by a Thai Notarial Services Attorney, for documents used by overseas authorities or counterparties.

This service fits you when

  • You must sign a contract, power of attorney or overseas form that says it has to be notarised
  • You need certified copies of a passport, ID card or degree for a job, study or overseas bank application
  • You need an affidavit or statutory declaration in the wording the receiving side requires
  • You want a lawyer's certification attached to a translation before it goes to the MFA or an embassy

When another route is the right one

  • If the destination asks for an Apostille or consular legalisation, notarisation alone is not enough — we map the full chain
  • Thai civil records such as birth certificates usually need translation plus MFA certification, not notarisation
  • If the destination is Australia and wants a NAATI translator, the NAATI route applies instead

What the service includes

  • Checking the destination's requirement first and choosing the correct certificate type
  • Formatting the document and drafting the jurat / acknowledgement wording
  • Booking the in-person signing with the attorney and verifying photo ID
  • Seal, signature and register number issued under Lawyers Council rules
  • High-resolution scans sent first, originals couriered to your address

What is not included

  • Government and courier fees charged by the receiving authority (billed at cost, always quoted before we start)
  • Any guarantee of approval by a government office or embassy — that decision stays with the officer in charge
  • Sourcing original documents that only you can request in person

Not sure which route your case belongs to? Tell us the destination and the deadline — our advisers have handled these files for more than 15 years and will confirm the correct sequence and exact documents before you spend anything.

Notary Public process and required documents

Notarial work is usually completed within one business day; the signer must appear in person with original documents before the notarial services attorney.

Step-by-step process

  1. 1Pre-check your fileSend a scan and tell us the destination country/authority so we can confirm the correct certificate type (signature, true copy, affidavit or translation certification).
  2. 2Format and draft the certificateWe lay out the document, add the correct jurat or acknowledgement wording and mark where you must sign in front of the attorney.
  3. 3Sign in personThe signer presents an original ID or passport and signs before the attorney at our office or at an agreed location.
  4. 4Seal and registerThe attorney signs, seals and records the certificate number so the notarisation can be verified later.
  5. 5Continue the chain if neededIf the destination requires it, we carry the file through MFA legalization and embassy attestation, or prepare the apostille set, so you never queue yourself.

Documents you need to prepare

  • The original document (scan in advance, original on signing day)
  • Original ID card or passport of every signer
  • For companies: company affidavit issued within 6 months plus a power of attorney
  • The destination country and authority the document is filed with

Common pitfalls to avoid

  • Do not sign in advance — signature certification requires signing before the attorney.
  • A Thai notarial attorney certifies signatures and copies, not the truth of the content.
  • Some countries require MFA and embassy steps afterwards; check the chain before you start.

Prefer not to handle the queues, forms and re-submissions yourself? Our team has run these files for more than 15 years — we advise on the right route first, then complete every step for you end to end. Message us and we will confirm the exact documents for your case.

Compare the options before you decide

Thailand's notarial attorney vs a foreign Notary Public

Thailand has no Notary Public office in the international sense. Equivalent work is performed by a Notarial Services Attorney licensed by the Lawyers Council of Thailand.

AspectThailand: notarial attorneyAbroad: Notary Public
Who is authorisedAn attorney licensed for notarial services by the Lawyers CouncilA notary appointed by the state or a court
ScopeSignature certification, true copies, affidavits and translations where the law allowsVaries by jurisdiction
Usual next stepFile with the Department of Consular Affairs, then Apostille or embassyUsually the country's own central authority
In-person requiredYes — you sign in front of the certifying attorneyGenerally yes

Where the receiving body uses its own terminology, follow that wording rather than claiming an equivalent title.

Apostille route vs embassy legalisation route

The destination country decides whether a file ends at an Apostille or still needs the embassy. Confirm the country's convention status first: the two routes use a different order and different paperwork.

AspectApostille routeEmbassy legalisation route
When it appliesDestination is a party to the Apostille ConventionDestination does not accept an Apostille
Final authorityDepartment of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign AffairsThe destination country's embassy or consulate in Thailand
Typical number of stepsFewer — the chain ends at the central authorityMore — central authority first, then the embassy
Approximate timeframeShorter, still subject to the authority's queueLonger, because the embassy appointment queue is added
Common rejection causeTranslation does not match the original, or the copy was not issued by the authorityThe embassy's own form or language requirement was not followed

Verify the current convention status and embassy conditions before filing.

Filing it yourself vs letting NYC run the chain

Every step can be done alone. This table compares the real workload of each option so the decision rests on time and rejection risk rather than marketing claims.

AspectDo it yourselfNYC handles it
Checking destination rulesRead each authority's notice yourself and confirm by phoneChecked before you start, with the order the receiving authority accepts
TravelSeveral agencies with queues that rarely line up in one dayDocuments move by courier or online except where the law requires you in person
Rejection riskOne mismatch — a name spelled differently from the passport — restarts the chainNames, dates and stamps are cross-checked before every filing
Status trackingYou follow up with each authorityStatus updates at each stage, and we handle the fix if a file is returned
Advisory roleNo one to compare options when your case falls outside the manualYou get advice on the options before work starts, not just execution

Government fees and timeframes change; ask for an assessment of your own case before you start.

5 mistakes that get notarised documents rejected abroad

Most problem files are not caused by the document itself, but by the order of steps and small identity details before signing.

  1. 1. Signing the document before meeting the attorney

    Why it matters: Signature notarisation must happen in front of the certifying attorney.

    How to avoid it: Bring the document unsigned and sign it at the appointment.

  2. 2. Expired ID or a name spelled differently across documents

    Why it matters: Identity must be verified from valid ID and the spelling must match exactly.

    How to avoid it: Check expiry dates and English name spelling across the whole set first.

  3. 3. Assuming a Thai notarial certification equals a foreign Notary Public

    Why it matters: Thailand uses Notarial Services Attorneys; some receivers ask for further legalisation.

    How to avoid it: Confirm with the receiving authority whether consular legalisation is also required.

  4. 4. Certifying a copy without presenting the original

    Why it matters: True-copy certification requires the physical original for comparison.

    How to avoid it: Always bring the original, even if scans were reviewed in advance.

  5. 5. Missing company documents when a director signs

    Why it matters: Signing authority must be evidenced or the certification can be challenged.

    How to avoid it: Bring a recent company affidavit plus the signatory's ID or passport.

Prefer not to manage these details yourself? Our team has advised on cases like this for more than 15 years — we confirm the correct route first, then handle every step for you. Message us and we will list exactly which documents your case needs.

What the common mistakes actually cost

Almost every failure in notarial signature certification by a licensed attorney happens during preparation, not at the counter, and the real cost is the TIME needed to repeat the chain. Below is what each mistake comes from, how long it typically adds, and how to avoid it.

MistakeWhy it happensTime costHow to prevent it
Removing staples or separating pages after certificationThe certification is attached to the bound set; once separated the set counts as incomplete.Typically adds 3–7 working days to re-certify the set.Scan first, then keep the originals in a rigid envelope without detaching anything.
The name in the translation does not match the passport spellingReceiving authorities compare character by character; a single different letter reads as a different person.Typically adds 3–10 working days, because the translation has to be redone and the whole chain repeated.Send the passport page on day one and have the translator take the spelling from the passport, never from the Thai document.
Booking the wrong service channel or appointment typeEach channel has its own queue and document conditions; the wrong one means booking again.Typically adds 2–14 working days depending on appointment availability that month.Confirm the service type and the appointment date in advance and keep at least one spare week.
Running the chain in the wrong order — embassy before the consular departmentEach body only certifies the signature of the body immediately before it in the chain.Typically adds 5–12 working days and forces a re-filing from the skipped stage.Confirm the route with the receiving authority before starting, or have us map the chain up front.
Using an old copy instead of a freshly issued oneMany destinations accept documents issued within the last 3–6 months only, and some require a clean, legibly sealed reissue.Typically adds 5–15 working days for the trip back to the district registrar.Check the destination's freshness rule first, then request several certified copies in a single visit.

Deep timeline: what can run in parallel

The windows below are approximate and depend on each authority's queue. Stages marked as parallel can start alongside the previous stage — that is where the total calendar time is actually reduced.

  1. 1. Document review and certificate wordingsame day

    We confirm whether you need a signature certification, a true-copy certification, or a statement of fact — each uses different wording.

  2. 2. Signing appointment in person1–2 working days

    The signatory must appear with an original ID or passport at the moment of signing.

  3. 3. Certificate issued and sealedsame day

    The certificate is issued with a register number and logged under Lawyers Council rules.

  4. 4. Onward legalisation, if the destination requires it3–10 working dayscan run in parallel

    For overseas use the file may still pass the consular department and then the embassy, in that order.

Note: all windows are general estimates, not guarantees. Actual timing depends on how complete your file is and on the queues at the authorities involved.

Key terms to know before you file

These are the terms clients most often misread — and a leading cause of rejected documents. Our advisors walk you through them before any work starts.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA)(Thai equivalent: กระทรวงการต่างประเทศ)
Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the first-stage legalisation authority before forwarding documents to the destination embassy.
Legalization (Consular)(Thai equivalent: นิติกรณ์)
Authentication of a document by the Department of Consular Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, for use abroad.
Acknowledgement(Thai equivalent: การรับรองลายมือชื่อ)
A notarial act in which a signer declares before the notary that they signed a document voluntarily.
Embassy Authentication(Thai equivalent: การรับรองโดยสถานทูต)
Final authentication of a document by the embassy or consulate of the destination country after MFA legalisation.
Chain Authentication(Thai equivalent: การรับรองแบบลูกโซ่)
The full chain of certification — Notary → MFA → Embassy — required for use of Thai documents in non-Apostille countries.
Notarial Services Attorney(Thai equivalent: ทนายผู้ทำคำรับรอง)
A Thai lawyer licensed by the Lawyers Council of Thailand under His Majesty's Patronage to perform notarial acts equivalent to a foreign Notary Public.

Not sure which route your case needs? Send us the documents for a free assessment and we handle every step for you.

View the full glossary

Related services you may need next

Most cases need more than one step. Here is how the surrounding work connects, so you can plan the whole chain instead of discovering a missing certification at the last minute.

Not sure which of these your case actually needs? That is exactly what our advisory team does: with 15+ years on cross-border documents, we map the full chain for your destination first, then handle every step so nothing is filed in the wrong order.

We work as advisers, not only as a document-running agency

Our team has worked on documents, translation and legalisation for more than 15 years, combining notarial attorneys licensed by the Lawyers Council of Thailand with translators the receiving authorities accept. Every case starts with advice on the correct route and only then moves to execution — we do not simply run whatever is handed to us.

Before we start — mapping the document route

We confirm whether your file ends at an Apostille or still needs the embassy, whether a freshly issued copy is required, and which form of translation the receiving authority accepts. This is where most time is saved, because it is where most people choose wrongly and restart.

While preparing — consistency checks

We match the spelling of your name against the passport, check the issue date against the validity window the destination applies, verify stamps and signatures, and confirm the translation matches the original line by line.

While filing — coordination with the authorities

We file in the order each authority expects, follow the queue, and report status as it moves. If an authority asks for more paperwork, you hear about it immediately, together with the options for fixing it.

After delivery — practical guidance

We explain which bodies this set can be filed with, how to store the originals, and how many certified sets to request up front if you expect to use them again, so you do not repeat the whole chain later.

Cases where advice up front changes the outcome

  • Documents have a limited validity window and every item must still be valid on the day of filing.
  • The name on an older document does not match the current passport because of a name change or a different transliteration.
  • The applicant is upcountry or abroad, so the power of attorney and courier plan must be arranged carefully.
  • A file was already returned once and the real cause has to be identified before refiling.

If you are unsure which route your case takes, send photos of the documents and name the destination country or authority. We map the sequence and the paperwork first; you then decide whether to run it yourself or hand it over.

Who wrote and checked this page

Written by
NYC Legal & Notary Service editorial team
Reviewed by
Notarial Services Attorney (Lawyers Council of Thailand)
Last reviewed

Over 15 years advising on document certification, official translation and Thai/overseas filings. We are not only a filing agency — every case starts with a consultation so you know the correct route, the exact documents and the realistic timeline before any fee is paid.

Procedures and authority requirements can change. We re-check each page against the responsible authority's current practice; if your case is time-critical, message us to confirm the latest requirement.

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Most document journeys need more than one step. These are the steps clients most often combine with this page.

Professional fees are quoted per case — ask our team by phone, LINE or email.

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Each source below is the authority that owns the rule cited on this page. If an authority changes its requirement, this page is corrected.