Where can I find a Notary Public in India?

Notary Publics are usually located near district courts, tehsil offices, sub-registrar offices, and commercial areas. Many advocates are also licensed notaries.

What documents do I need for notarization?

You need the affidavit printed on stamp paper, your Aadhaar or other photo ID, two witnesses with valid ID proof, and any supporting documents related to the affidavit.

Can a notary refuse to notarize my document?

Yes, a notary can refuse if the document appears fraudulent, the signer appears under pressure, or proper identification is not provided.

What is the difference between notarization and attestation?

Notarization is done by a Notary Public appointed by the government, while attestation can be done by a gazetted officer, advocate, or other authorized person. Notarization carries higher legal weight.

Notary Process in India – Complete Guide to Notarization & Fees

Notarization is the final legal step that turns a simple written statement into a legally valid affidavit. Without a notary's seal, most affidavits are rejected by banks, courts, colleges, and government offices.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the entire notary process in India — including what to carry, how much it costs, and common mistakes to avoid.

What is Notarization?

Notarization is the process where a licensed Notary Public verifies your identity, witnesses your signature, and applies their official seal to certify that the document was signed voluntarily and in their presence.

Notaries are appointed by the government under the Notaries Act, 1952 and are authorized to attest affidavits, agreements, and other legal documents.

Simple rule: If an authority asks for a "notarized affidavit," it means the affidavit must carry a Notary Public's signature and stamp.

When Do You Need Notarization?

You'll need notarization for most legal affidavits, including:

Name Change Affidavit — For gazette and document updates
Income Affidavit — For scholarships and schemes
Marriage Affidavit — For passport and visa
Bank Affidavit — For KYC and loan processing
Lost Aadhaar Affidavit — For duplicate Aadhaar
Lost PAN Card Affidavit — For duplicate PAN
Self Affidavit — For general declarations
General Affidavit — For any legal purpose

Step-by-Step Notary Process

Prepare your affidavit. Print your affidavit on the correct non-judicial stamp paper. Fill all details and leave the signature blank.
Find a licensed Notary Public. Look near your local court, collector's office, or use the notary directory on your state's website.
Carry ID proof. Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence of the deponent.
Bring two witnesses. Both must carry valid ID proof and be present during signing.
Sign in the notary's presence. Do NOT sign the affidavit before reaching the notary.
Notary verifies and stamps. The notary checks your ID, witnesses your signature, and applies their official seal.
Pay the fee. Notary charges typically range from ₹50 to ₹200 depending on the document.
Collect copies. Get 2-3 attested copies made for future use.

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General Affidavit Self Affidavit

Documents Required for Notarization

Original affidavit on stamp paper (unsigned)
Aadhaar card / PAN card / Passport
Address proof (if required)
Two witnesses with valid ID
Supporting documents (marriage certificate, marksheet, etc. — if applicable)
Passport-size photographs (2 copies, if required)

Notary Fees in India

Notary charges are not fixed by the government and vary by state and document type:

Document Type	Typical Fee
Simple affidavit	₹50 – ₹100
Name change affidavit	₹100 – ₹200
Marriage affidavit	₹100 – ₹250
Bank affidavit	₹50 – ₹150
Property affidavit	₹150 – ₹500
Power of Attorney	₹500 – ₹2,000

Note: Some states have prescribed maximum notary fees. Read our Notary Fees guide for detailed state-wise rates.

How Notaries Verify Your Identity

A notary follows a strict verification process:

ID Check. Compares your face with the photo on your ID proof.
Signature Match. Matches the signature on the affidavit with the one on your ID.
Witness Verification. Confirms the two witnesses are present with valid IDs.
Content Review. Briefly scans the affidavit to ensure it's not fraudulent.
Seal and Register. Enters the affidavit details in their official register and applies the seal.

Can a Notary Refuse to Notarize?

Yes — a notary can refuse in these situations:

If the deponent appears to be under duress or not of sound mind
If the ID proof seems fake or expired
If the document contains fraudulent or illegal content
If the witnesses are absent or lack valid ID
If the stamp paper value is insufficient
If the deponent cannot sign (unless physically unable, in which case a thumb impression is used)

Pro Tip: Always carry two extra passport photos and photocopies of your ID. Many notaries charge extra for photocopying on the spot.

Notarization vs Attestation vs Registration

Service	Who Does It	Purpose
Notarization	Notary Public	Verifies signature and identity
Attestation	Gazetted Officer / Notary	Certifies photocopy matches original
Registration	Sub-Registrar Office	For property and marriage documents

Popular Affidavit Formats to Notarize

Name Change Affidavit Income Affidavit Bank Affidavit Marriage Affidavit Address Proof Affidavit Domicile Affidavit

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a notary charge in India?

Notary charges in India typically range from ₹50 to ₹200 per document, depending on the state and complexity.

Is notarization mandatory for an affidavit?

Yes, most affidavits must be notarized by a licensed Notary Public to be legally valid for official purposes.

What ID proof is needed for notarization?

Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Voter ID, or Driving Licence is accepted as ID proof for notarization.

Can a notary refuse to notarize a document?

Yes, a notary can refuse if the document appears fraudulent, the deponent is not present, or the ID proof is insufficient.

How long does notarization take?

Notarization typically takes 10-15 minutes if all documents are ready and both witnesses are present.

Final Thoughts

Notarization is a simple but critical step in making any affidavit legally valid. Carry your ID, bring two witnesses, sign in the notary's presence, and you're done in 15 minutes.

At AffidavitFormat.com, all our affidavit formats are notary-ready — just print on stamp paper and visit a Notary Public.

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General Affidavit Name Change