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Notary Public in Thailand — Complete Guide
Short answer first
Thailand has no notary public in the common-law sense. Certification is performed by a Notarial Services Attorney registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand, who can certify signatures, true copies, affidavits and powers of attorney. For overseas use the notarised document usually continues to Department of Consular Affairs legalization and then the destination embassy.
Overall timeline: Same day for notarisation; 1–3 weeks when full legalization follows
Documents to prepare
| Item | Detail | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Passport or Thai ID of every signer | Signers must appear in person; the attorney witnesses the signature. | Required |
| The document to be certified | Unsigned if a signature will be witnessed; signing beforehand invalidates witnessing. | Required |
| Company documents for corporate signing | Affidavit, list of directors and authorised signatory evidence, issued recently. | If available |
| Destination instructions | Any wording or form required by the receiving country, so the certificate matches it. | If available |
Step-by-step process
- Step 1: Send a draft for review
We check the wording and confirm whether notarisation alone is enough for your destination.
Timing: Same day
- Step 2: Book an appointment
Bangkok office or branch, or a mobile appointment where needed.
Timing: 1–2 days
- Step 3: Sign before the attorney
Identity verified, signature or true copy certified, seal and register entry recorded.
Timing: Same day
- Step 4: Onward legalization if required
Department of Consular Affairs then the destination embassy, in the correct order.
Timing: 3–10 business days
- Step 5: Delivery
Scanned copy immediately, originals by registered mail or pickup.
Timing: 1–2 days
Pitfalls and how to avoid them
Advice from real cases
- Prepare bilingual wording where the destination allows it — it avoids a second translation step.
- Bring one extra copy of everything; some embassies keep a set.
- Ask for the certificate reference so the document can be verified later.
Prefer us to handle it?
- Registered Notarial Services Attorneys, not general certification.
- We map out the full chain before you start so nothing is done twice.
- Phone, LINE and email support throughout the process.
Send scans for a free initial enquiry and quote — call 083-2494999 · LINE @NYC168 · contact@nyclegal.co.th
Read next
- Thai version of this guide
- Notary knowledge hub (EN)
- English knowledge hub
- English FAQ
- Playbook: Certified Document Translation
- Playbook: NAATI Translation for Australia
- Playbook: MFA Legalization / Apostille
- Playbook: Visa Applications Abroad
- Playbook: Police Clearance Certificate
- Playbook: Thailand Work Permit / Non-B Visa
- Playbook: Company Registration in Thailand
- Playbook: Marriage and Family Documents
- Playbook: Interpreter Services
- Playbook: Study Abroad Documents
- Playbook: Government Document Retrieval by Proxy
- Playbook: Expat Paperwork in Thailand
- Playbook: Corporate Accounting and Tax
We advise first, then do the work
We review the draft before the appointment so the signature block, capacity and certificate wording match what the receiving party requires.
- Free initial enquiry for a quote — send photos of your documents and we confirm the scope and what to prepare.
- A team of licensed attorneys, notarial services attorneys and registered translators, working together since 2019.
- We flag risks and alternatives in writing — including when the cheaper or faster route is the correct one.
- We stay with the case after delivery: if the receiving authority asks for more, we advise at no extra consulting fee.
Talk to an adviser: 083-2494999 · LINE @NYC168 · contact@nyclegal.co.th
Official sources — legalization, apostille, notary
The information on this page follows the official sources below. Always check the latest version before you file.
- Department of Consular Affairs — document legalisation— Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Legalization e-Service appointment system— Department of Consular Affairs
- HCCH — Apostille Convention (5 October 1961) full text & status table— Hague Conference on Private International Law
- Lawyers Council of Thailand — Notarial Services Attorneys— Lawyers Council of Thailand
- Department of Provincial Administration — civil & family registration— Department of Provincial Administration
- Royal Thai Government Gazette— Royal Thai Government Gazette
Related services
Most document work runs across several steps — jump straight to the next one you need.
- Certified translation
- Notary Public
- Consular legalization
- Police clearance certificate
- Company & BOI
- Full service index
Contact us by phone, LINE or email for a free initial enquiry and a quote after document review. Timing depends on the work and relevant authorities.
General information before proceeding: Confirm current requirements with the receiving authority before using your documents. This page is not a legal opinion for your individual case — meet the team · editorial policy
Not sure which service you need? Read the guides
Each guide answers first, then explains: decision criteria, comparison tables, the real process and the mistakes we see most often.
- Choosing a certified translation provider
How to pick a translator accepted by consular, embassy and receiving bodies
- Services for expats living in Thailand
Signature certification, residence, marriage and everyday paperwork
- Notary Public and consular legalization
The correct order of steps before sending documents abroad
- Choosing the right visa and work permit
Compare visa categories and the documents each one needs translated
- Translation by language
English, Chinese, Japanese, European, Arabic, Russian and embassy rules
- Specialized translation
Contracts, financial statements, MSDS, ISO and BOI filings
Talk to us first: 083-2494999 · LINE @NYC168 · contact@nyclegal.co.th