Signature Witnessing & Attestation Services in Singapore

Told to Sign "In Front of a Notary"? Here's What Actually Happens

Many people get an email from a bank, lawyer or registry abroad that says "please sign before a notary public and return the original". It sounds formal. In practice, it's one short appointment.

Here's what happens when a Notary Public witnesses your signature:

1. 1We check the document first. Send a photo. We look for blank spaces, a place for the Notary's certificate, and any instructions from the receiving office.
2. 2You bring your original ID. Your passport or NRIC must match the name on the document.
3. 3You sign in front of the Notary. The Notary confirms who you are, checks that you understand what you're signing, and watches you sign. Don't sign before the appointment. A signature made beforehand can't be witnessed.
4. 4The Notary issues a notarial certificate. It records that you signed in the Notary's presence, with the Notary's signature and seal.
5. 5SAL adds the Apostille. We can take it to SAL for you and courier the result wherever it needs to go.

Why a Notary and not a Commissioner for Oaths? The Singapore Courts put it plainly: court Commissioners for Oaths "are not authorised to sign documents for use in foreign countries. Such documents must be notarised by a Notary Public." If your document is for use inside Singapore, a Commissioner for Oaths may be enough, and we'll tell you so.

What to prepare:

• the unsigned document, printed exactly as the receiving office sent it
• your original passport or NRIC/FIN in the same name
• any covering letter or checklist from the receiving office
• a translation, if the document isn't in English (see the FAQ below)

Witnessing or Signature Identification: What Does Your Document Ask For?

Overseas offices use different words, and they don't always mean the same thing.

• Witnessing (attestation of signature). You sign in front of the Notary. The Notary certifies that the signature was made in their presence by the person named. This is what most foreign banks, registries and courts mean.
• Signature identification. You have already signed. The Notary certifies that the signature is yours, based on your ID and your confirmation in person. Some receiving offices accept this; many don't.

If your document says "signed in the presence of", "witnessed by" or "attested by", plan to sign at the appointment. If it says the signature must be "verified" or "identified", send us the wording. Some authorities also send a specimen certificate they want the Notary to use. Include it, because matching their wording avoids a rejection.

In every case, you appear in person. Video or remote witnessing is not available from notaries in Singapore.

Deeds and Documents With Several Signatories

Some documents need more than one person to sign, and some are deeds.

Deeds. A deed is a formal document, often used for property transfers, trusts or releases. Many countries expect a deed to be signed and witnessed in a particular way. If your deed comes from abroad, follow its execution clause (the part that says how it's signed) and send it to us first. The Notary witnesses your execution and certifies it.

Several signatories. Joint owners, siblings in an inheritance, or several parties to one agreement can all sign in one visit. Each person brings their own original ID. If people can't meet on the same day, the Notary can attend each signing separately, with each signature certified on its own attendance.

Company officers. If you're signing for a company, the Notary also needs to see your authority, for example a board resolution. For company documents, see our on-site signings for directors.

Declarations, POAs and Agreements People Bring for Witnessing

These are the documents we're asked to witness most:

• Powers of attorney. Letting someone act for you abroad. See our guide to choosing and signing a power of attorney, with a separate guide for POAs going to India.
• Statutory declarations. For example, a declaration of address for a Korean authority, a name declaration, or a statutory declaration of marital status before marrying abroad.
• Consent letters. Such as a parent's consent for children relocating overseas.
• Agreements and undertakings. Sale and purchase agreements, loan documents, distributor agreements and undertakings that the other side wants signed before a notary.
• Bank and pension forms. Account forms, mandates and "proof of life" forms from overseas banks and pension providers.

A Notary witnessing your signature proves who signed and when. It doesn't make a contract fair, legal or binding, and the Notary doesn't review the terms unless you engage them separately. If you want advice on the content, talk to your lawyer first.

Sign Where You Are: Home, Office or Hospital Bedside

You don't have to take time off or travel across the island. Our Notary Public can come to you anywhere in Singapore: your flat, your office, a hotel, a care home or a hospital ward (hospital and care-home visits from S$149). Book a notary to come to your home. Visits run Monday to Friday, 9 am to 9 pm, and Saturday and Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm.

Two of the witnessing enquiries we received recently asked us to come to a home or office. That's typical: people want it done where they already are.

If the person signing is elderly or unwell, the Notary will speak to them directly and must be satisfied that they understand the document and are signing freely. That check protects your family. If you're unsure whether your parent can follow the document, tell us when you book. The Notary may suggest a doctor's memo, and will decide on the day.

What it costs: one person signs one document, Apostille country

The prices shown above are starting prices. Your final price depends on the document type, number of pages and destination country, and will be confirmed in a written quotation before any work begins.

The statutory fees are fixed by law and the same at every notary. Extra signers and exhibits add smaller statutory fees, listed in your quote. If the destination isn't an Apostille country, an embassy step is usually added; see the embassy and Apostille routes. The complete fee list shows worked examples.

Before You Sign: Signature Witnessing Questions