Affidavits in UAE must always undergo the proper notarization process by a public notary. Notarization means you swear under oath the facts that are in your document are true. A document to be notarized by a public notary in Dubai or anywhere in UAE has to be signed with the notary public witnessing the act. A public notary in UAE will also sign the document, then put a seal or stamp on the document.
Affidavits are written statements that are notarized by public notaries in Dubai and the rest of the emirates. Should you need to provide your written statement to someone or to the local courts and you can’t testify in person, an affidavit can be used. Although affidavits aren’t difficult to prepare, most especially with the help of a professional, they require crucial pieces of information. Information in affidavits must be “firsthand” information and not speculation or secondhand information.
Steps to get a Notarized Affidavit in Dubai
Follow these steps to get an affidavit notarized by a public notary in UAE:
Step 1: Bring an unsigned affidavit to a public notary in Dubai/UAE.
Make sure the affidavit is NOT signed ahead of time. A public notary is not allowed by the regulatory authorities to entertain any type of document that is already signed without the presence and witnessing of the notary.
Don’t forget to bring the proper identification documents in order for the public notary in Dubai to verify your identity. The proof of identity has to be valid and not expired. Among the widely accepted include passport, Emirates ID, and driver’s license. The discretion of the notary will be exercised for clients that have lost their identification papers due to a disaster e.g. floods and fires.
You should know: Factors To Consider When Hiring A Public Notary In UAE
Step 2: Submit a request for notarization.
After you have prepared your affidavit for the process of document notarization in UAE, complete the form to request for the service of your chosen notary public. Remember that public notaries in Dubai and the rest of the UAE will not accept incomplete requests. They will check your affidavit as well for any blank spaces. You can also make an appointment with a public notary in Dubai to ensure that someone can attend to your request.
Step 3: Have the public notary verify your identification papers.
A notary public verifies the identity of a signatory based on the identification presented. For affidavits, in particular, it can be arranged for a notary public to have a document prepared for you. You will sign it during your appointment for affidavit notarization in Dubai.
Step 4: Sign the document.
If your affidavit and identification papers are all clear and eligible for notarization, you will be asked by the public notary to sign the affidavit. The public notary in Dubai will be observing the act and see if you’re signing under the influence or signing under duress. If the public notary thinks that someone else or an entity is forcing you to place your signature on the document even when it’s against your will, the entire procedure will cease.
Find more info: Legal Documents That Can And Can’t Undergo UAE Notarization
Step 5: Signing of the public notary.
Among the document signatories for notarized affidavits in Dubai is at least 1 credible witness, which is a public notary in Dubai. After witnessing and signing the affidavit, the notary will record the transaction on the official journal. Your affidavit notarization in Dubai is a transaction that will be logged onto the journal of the public notary together with the details such as the place and date of the notarization.
A public notary will also stamp your affidavit with the official public seal or stamp. This means your affidavit is now notarized.
Last step: Pay the notary.
Notarial fees will depend on the purpose of the affidavit and place where you have the document notarized. Reputable public notaries typically offer mobile notary services in Dubai so you won’t have to visit their offices.
When is a Notarized Affidavit in Dubai a requirement?
There are several kinds of cases that require notarized affidavits in UAE. In UAE family legislation, a notarized financial affidavit has to be completed as part of a discovery process. But, it is not the same as written affidavits that are written out of a collection of facts.
You may also be asked to submit a notarized affidavit in UAE under the following circumstances:
- To state that you’ve received legal documents
- To create a formal written statement as one of the witnesses in court proceedings
- To notify any third party e.g. creditor regarding the death or injury of a debtor
- To notify a person e.g. spouse during post-divorce proceedings regarding a change in the circumstances
- To claim property or assets
- To verify your residency
To know more about document notarization in Dubai, call us here in Notary Public Dubai today!
Hassan Humaid Al Suwaidi is a UAE Citizen and the founder of the firm HHS Lawyers. He has a vast experience of 20 years of dealing with high-value and complex notary requirements. Hassan has been involved in some of the largest legal settlements in the UAE and is commended for his ability to attain the most favourable outcomes for his clients.
