How To Use Notary Public Service In Nepal 2025

Understanding Notary Public Service in Nepal

Notary public service in Nepal is a crucial legal process that authenticates and certifies documents, ensuring their validity and credibility in various legal and official contexts. The notary public system in Nepal is governed by the Notary Public Act, 2063 (2007) and Notary Public Rules, 2064 (2008), which establish the legal framework for document authentication and certification.

In Nepal, notary services are essential for both personal and business transactions, providing legal authentication that documents are genuine and properly executed. Whether you’re a general citizen needing personal document notarization or a business owner requiring commercial document certification, understanding the notary public process is vital for legal compliance.

Education Consultancy Registration in Nepal | FDI In Nepal 2025

What is a Notary Public in Nepal?

A notary public in Nepal is defined under Section 2(a) of the Notary Public Act, 2063 as “a person appointed or recognized as a Notary Public pursuant to this Act.” Notary publics are government-authorized legal officers responsible for certifying, verifying, and authenticating documents for official use.

The primary functions of notary services in Nepal include:

Witnessing the signing of documents
Administering oaths and affirmations
Certifying copies of original documents
Authenticating the execution of various legal instruments
Providing translation and certification services for official use

Legal Framework Governing Notary Services in Nepal

The notary public system in Nepal operates under a comprehensive legal framework that ensures standardization and legal compliance:

Primary Legislation

Notary Public Act, 2063 (2007) – Establishes the legal foundation for notary services
Notary Public Rules, 2064 (2008) – Provides detailed procedures and fee structures
Evidence Act, 2031 (1974) – Governs admissibility of notarized documents
Civil Code, 2074 (2017) – Provides broader legal context for document authentication

Key Provisions

Section 9: Outlines duties and powers of notary publics
Section 10: Specifies documents that can be notarized
Section 11: Describes the notarization process
Section 12: Mandates maintenance of notary records
Section 13: Establishes fees for notarial services

Who Can Become a Notary Public in Nepal?

The Nepal Notary Public Council sets strict requirements for individuals seeking to become notary publics. According to Section 3 of the Notary Public Act, 2063, the following qualifications are required:

Essential Requirements

Nepalese citizenship
Bachelor’s degree in law from a recognized university
At least seven years of experience as a law practitioner
Good moral character and no criminal record
Successful completion of the notary public examination conducted by the Nepal Bar Council

Disqualifications

Individuals are disqualified from becoming notary publics if they:

Have not passed the required examination
Lack the necessary qualifications
Have been punished for serious criminal offenses
Are not of good character
Are non-Nepali citizens
Have been declared insolvent
Do not have normal mental condition

Types of Notary Services Available in Nepal

Notary services in Nepal are available through different channels, each serving specific needs and requirements:

1. District Court Notaries

Located in district courts throughout Nepal
Typically government-employed legal officers
Often provide standard notarization services
Generally follow fixed fee structures set by government regulations
May have limited operating hours aligned with court schedules

2. Private Notary Service Providers

Independent notary publics operating through law firms
Offer flexible service hours including weekends
Provide specialized notarization services
May charge premium fees for convenience and additional services
Often offer mobile notary services and online consultations

3. Law Firm Notaries

Licensed attorneys with notary public certification
Provide comprehensive legal services alongside notarization
Offer expert guidance on complex document requirements
Typically charge higher fees but provide added legal expertise

Current Notary Fee Structure in Nepal

The notary fee structure in Nepal is regulated by the Notary Public Rules, 2064 and varies based on document type and complexity. Below is the current fee structure:

Notary Service Fees in Nepal

Service Type	Fee Range (NPR)	Description
Basic Notarization	500 – 1,000	Standard document certification
Complex Documents	1,000 – 3,000	Business contracts, property deeds
Notarization with Apostille	Additional 1,000 – 2,000	For international document use
Translation Services	300 – 800 per page	Document translation with certification
Urgent Services	50% – 100% additional	Same-day or expedited processing

Factors Influencing Notary Fees

Document complexity and length
Number of signatures requiring verification
Translation requirements (Nepali to English or vice versa)
Urgency of service required
Location and accessibility of notary service
Additional authentication requirements

Step-by-Step Process for Getting Documents Notarized in Kathmandu

The notarization process in Nepal follows a standardized 7-step procedure that ensures legal compliance and document authenticity:

Step 1: Document Preparation

Before seeking notary services, ensure that:

All documents are complete and accurate
Blank spaces are filled or crossed out
Required information is properly included
Supporting documents are gathered and organized

Step 2: Finding a Qualified Notary Public

Locate a licensed notary public through:

District courts in Kathmandu Valley
Reputable law firms with notary services
Private notary service providers
Nepal Notary Public Council website for verified practitioners

Step 3: Application Submission

Submit an application to the notary public along with:

Completed application form
Original documents requiring notarization
Copies of supporting documents
Valid identification (citizenship certificate or passport)

Step 4: Identity Verification

The notary public will:

Verify your identity using government-issued ID
Confirm document completeness
Ensure legal capacity to sign documents
Check for proper authorization (if acting as agent)

Step 5: Document Review and Explanation

The notary public will:

Read the document content to you
Ensure understanding of document contents
Explain legal implications of signing
Answer any questions about the document

Step 6: Witness Verification and Oath Administration

For notarization completion:

Two witnesses must verify the document
Witnesses sign the document or separate memo
Oath or affirmation is administered (for affidavits)
Voluntary consent is confirmed and documented

Step 7: Certification and Sealing

Final notarization steps include:

Official signature by the notary public
Application of notary seal or stamp
Recording certification number from register
Preparation of multiple copies if required
Maintenance of notary records as mandated by law

Documents Commonly Requiring Notarization in Nepal

Various types of documents require notary public certification in Nepal for legal validity:

Personal Documents

Affidavits and sworn statements
Power of Attorney documents
Birth and death certificates (for international use)
Marriage certificates for overseas purposes
Academic certificates and transcripts
Identity document copies for official use

Business and Commercial Documents

Business contracts and agreements
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)
Company registration documents
Commercial invoices and bills of lading
Board resolutions and corporate minutes
Partnership agreements

Property and Real Estate Documents

Property deeds and transfer documents
Land ownership certificates
Real estate purchase agreements
Mortgage documents and loan agreements
Property valuation reports
Lease agreements

Where to Find Reliable Notary Services in Nepal

Finding trusted notary services is essential for ensuring document authenticity and legal compliance:

Kathmandu Valley Notary Services

District Court Notaries: Available at Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur district courts
Private Notary Firms: Located in major commercial areas like New Road, Durbar Marg, and Putalisadak
Law Firm Notaries: Offered by established legal practices in Kamaladi, Thamel, and Baneshwor

Major Cities Outside Kathmandu

Pokhara: District court and private notary services available
Biratnagar: Notary services at district court and law firms
Birgunj: Court notaries and private practitioners available
Nepalgunj: District court notary services with private alternatives

Online Notary Services

While fully digital notarization is not yet available in Nepal, some providers offer:

Remote document submission via email
Online consultation for document preparation
Digital copy delivery after notarization
Courier services for document pickup and delivery

What Documents Are Required for Notarization?

To obtain notary public services in Nepal, you must provide specific documentation:

Essential Identification Documents

Citizenship certificate (original and copy)
Passport (for foreigners or dual citizens)
National ID card with photograph and signature
Driving license (acceptable secondary ID)

Supporting Documents

Relationship verification papers (if applicable)
Power of Attorney or letter of authority (if acting as agent)
Original documents requiring notarization
Two copies of each document for certification

Special Requirements

Foreigners: Certified identity documents from concerned embassy
Business representatives: Company registration documents
Property transactions: Land ownership certificates and recent tax receipts

How Long Does Notarization Take in Nepal?

The notarization timeline in Nepal varies based on several factors:

Standard Processing Times

Simple document notarization: 1-2 hours
Complex documents: 1-2 business days
Documents requiring additional verification: 3-5 business days
Translation and notarization: 2-3 business days

Factors Affecting Processing Time

Document complexity and length
Number of signatures requiring verification
Availability of witnesses
Notary public workload
Additional verification requirements
Translation needs (if applicable)

Expedited Services

Many notary service providers offer urgent processing:

Same-day service: Available at premium rates
Express service: Within 24 hours
Priority processing: For business and time-sensitive documents

Legal Validity and Recognition of Notarized Documents

Notarized documents in Nepal carry significant legal weight and are widely recognized:

Domestic Recognition

Courts and tribunals accept notarized documents as evidence
Government agencies require notarization for official submissions
Banks and financial institutions demand notarized documents
Educational institutions require notarized academic records

International Recognition

Apostille certification available for Hague Convention countries
Embassy attestation required for non-Hague countries
Consular legalization for specific international purposes
Translation and notarization for multilingual documents

Legal Presumptions

Under Nepalese law, notarized documents enjoy certain legal presumptions:

Authenticity of signatures is presumed
Voluntary execution is assumed
Document integrity is maintained
Legal capacity of signatories is established

Common Questions About Notary Services in Nepal

What is the difference between notarization and certification?

Notarization involves a notary public legally verifying your document and identity, while certification typically refers to attesting that a copy is true to the original. Notarization provides stronger legal authentication.

Where is the Nepal Notary Public Council located?

The Nepal Notary Public Council main office is located in Kathmandu with contact information:

Phone: 01-5452357
Mobile: 9748277003
Email: nepalnotary@gmail.com

What are the penalties for notary misconduct in Nepal?

Notary publics found guilty of misconduct may face:

Up to 4 years imprisonment
Fines up to NPR 2,00,000
Revocation of notary license
Professional disqualification

Can foreigners get documents notarized in Nepal?

Yes, foreigners can obtain notary services in Nepal by providing:

Valid passport and visa
Certified identity documents from their embassy
Additional documentation as required by the notary public

Best Practices for Using Notary Services in Nepal

To ensure smooth notarization process, follow these expert recommendations:

Preparation Tips

Prepare documents in advance with all required information
Bring original identification and supporting documents
Arrange witnesses beforehand if required
Understand document contents before signing
Verify notary credentials through the Nepal Notary Public Council

During Notarization

Sign documents only in the notary’s presence
Answer questions truthfully during oath administration
Review notarized documents carefully before leaving
Obtain receipts for all payments made
Request multiple copies if needed for future use

After Notarization

Store notarized documents securely
Keep contact information of the notary public
Maintain records of all notarization transactions
Verify acceptance of notarized documents by intended recipients
Seek legal advice for complex document requirements

Conclusion: Ensuring Legal Compliance Through Professional Notary Services

Notary public service in Nepal plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity and authenticity of legal documents. Whether you’re an individual citizen needing personal document certification or a business owner requiring commercial document authentication, understanding the notarization process is essential for legal compliance.

The Nepal notary system, governed by the Notary Public Act, 2063 and related regulations, provides a robust framework for document authentication that is recognized both domestically and internationally. By following the proper procedures and working with qualified notary publics, you can ensure that your documents meet all legal requirements and are accepted by courts, government agencies, and international institutions.

For the best results, always choose licensed notary service providers who maintain proper credentials, follow established procedures, and provide comprehensive documentation of their services. Remember that proper notarization is not just a formality—it’s a crucial step in protecting your legal rights and ensuring the validity of your important documents.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about notary public services in Nepal and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal concerns or document requirements, consult with a qualified legal professional or contact the Nepal Notary Public Council directly.