Notarisation is a formal legal process used to verify and certify eligible documents such as Powers of Attorney, declarations, affidavits, agreements and certain corporate documents in the UAE. The applicable procedure depends on the document type, the parties involved and the authority before which the document will be used. It is quite common to find many residents and other owners of a business confused between the Notary Public and the Dubai Courts Notary Public. Although both carry out notarisation services, there are significant variations in the process, time, the document types and flexibility of the services.
Using the distinction between the Private Notary and Dubai Courts Notary may assist you in selecting the correct notarisation depending on the urgency, nature of the document, and convenience.
Private Notary vs Dubai Courts Notary.
To understand the differences clearly, a comparison is as follows:
| Feature | Private Notary UAE | Dubai Courts Notary Public |
|---|---|---|
| Authority | Licensed private notary authorized by Dubai Courts | Government notary under Dubai Courts Notary Public |
| Location | Private offices or mobile services | Dubai Courts Notary centers |
| Appointment | Flexible, quicker appointments | Appointment needed, restricted slots |
| Processing Time | Same day or very fast | May be longer depending on availability |
| Document Drafting | Typically assists in drafting documents | Mostly notarises prepared documents |
| Language | Arabic and English support | Arabic compulsory (legal translation required for English documents) |
| Business Documents | Yes | Yes |
| Power of Attorney | Yes | Yes |
| Declarations & Affidavits | Yes | Yes |
| Service Flexibility | High | Limited |
| Fees | Slightly higher | Government standard fees |
| Remote Notarisation | Available on demand in certain cases | Available via Dubai Courts system |
| Waiting Time | Minimal | Can be longer |
| Customer Support | Direct support | Government process system |
Notary Public UAE
Contact our Notary Public Dubai team for fast and reliable notary services in the UAE.
What is a Private Notary in Dubai?
A Private Notary Dubai is a legal practitioner who is licensed and authorised by Dubai Courts to notarise documents that are outside the conventional court notarial offices. The services of private notaries have the same legal validity as Dubai Courts Notary but are more flexible and prompt.
Notary work is typically done on a private basis:
- Notarisation of power of attorney.
- Legal notices
- Statements and affidavits.
- Amendments to Memorandum of Association.
- Share transfer documents
- Board resolutions
- Contracts and agreements
- Documentation of company incorporation.
Speed and convenience is one of the greatest benefits of private notary services since the appointments are more speedy with document drafting support typically accessible.
What is Dubai Courts Notary Public?
Dubai Courts Notary Public is the government notarial authority responsible for notarizing eligible legal documents in Dubai. Applications can be processed through Dubai Courts notary centres or through the approved electronic channel. Individuals and businesses requiring assistance with remote document processing can use our online notary services in Dubai for document review, electronic submission and coordination of the required identity-verification and signing procedure.
Notary services at Dubai Courts are usually applied in case of:
- Power of Attorney
- Local sponsor agreements
- Declarations
- Affidavits
- Company documents
- Memorandum of Association
- Legal notices
- Court-related documents
The legal validity of documents notarised by Dubai Courts Notary is complete in the UAE.
Key Differences Explained
Service speed, flexibility, and convenience are the primary distinction between the Private Notary and Dubai Courts Notary, which are not legally different as both are equally legal.
The private notary services tend to be quicker, more adaptable, and offer drafting services, whereas Dubai Courts Notary tends to adhere to the government appointment procedure and protocols.
Individuals tend to select Private Notary where:
- They require immediate notarisation.
- They require assistance in preparing legal documents.
- They desire a flexible scheduling of appointments.
- They desire mobile notary services.
- They want faster processing
Individuals tend to prefer Dubai Courts Notary in cases where:
- They choose government notary services.
- They demand normal government charges.
- It is a document which is obligatory by the Dubai Courts system.
- Online Dubai Courts notary is mandatory.
What Notary to choose in Dubai?
In selecting between Private Notary and Dubai Courts Notary, it is based on your circumstances:
- Urgent notarisation → Private Notary.
- Normal government procedure → Dubai Courts Notary.
- Drafting of documents needed → Private Notary.
- Online notary by Dubai Courts → Dubai Courts Notary.
- Corporate documents → Both
- Power of Attorney → Both
- Affidavits & declarations → Both.
Both the notaries are legally authorised and documents notarised by either are legally binding in the UAE.
Notary Public UAE
Contact our Notary Public Dubai team for fast and reliable notary services in the UAE.
Conclusion
Private Notary and Dubai Courts Notary Public offer both legally binding notarisation services in Dubai and in the UAE. The primary distinction is based on processing time, flexibility, convenience of service, and availability of appointments.
In the event you require a quick, convenient, and aided notarisation service, you can generally use Private Notary. Should you wish that government notarisation services be offered in the official channels of Dubai Courts, then Dubai Courts Notary Public is the right way to go.
Being aware of these differences will enable individuals and businesses to select the most appropriate process of notarisation based on the urgency, the type of document, and the type of service. For broader guidance, you can also review Guide on Notary of Documents in UAE, The Functions of a Notary Public in Dubai, and Importance of Document Notarization in UAE.
