Notarial certifying stamp

A notarial seal is one part of a paper notarial certificate. The certification text identifies the act performed, such as signature verification, copy certification or certification of translation accuracy. The seal and signature accompany that certificate; a stamp alone does not describe or complete the notarial act.

The Ministry of Justice distinguishes paper certification, with the notary's signature and physical seal, from an electronic notarial certificate with an approved electronic notarial signature and electronic seal. Pasting a scanned stamp into a PDF does not create that electronic certificate. A printout of an electronic original is a copy.

A notarial seal is not an apostille. Where an apostille is required for foreign use and the Hague route applies, it authenticates the official signature, capacity and seal. It does not certify the contents or guarantee acceptance by a bank, registry or court. Send the complete document, including its certification and attachments, when asking which authentication route is needed.