In general, notarial functions include the administration of all oaths and affirmations provided for by law in all matters incident to the notarial office, and in the execution of affidavits, depositions, and other documents requiring an oath, and to receive the proof and acknowledgment of all writings relating to commerce and navigation, and such other writings as are commonly proved or acknowledged before notaries, and acting as magistrate in the writing of affidavits or depositions, and making declarations and certifying to the truth thereof (Section 618, Revised Regulations of the DFA, 1995).

The most common notarial acts includes witnessing signatures, administering oaths and affirmations, and taking affidavits.

Notarial Services involves the following:

AUTHENTICATION

The process of certifying the authenticity of the signature in a Public Document, capacity in which the person signing a Public  Document acted, and where appropriate, the identity of the seal or stamp which it bears.

NOTARIZATION

• ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Refers to an act in which an individual on a single occasions:

a. appears in person before the signing officer of the Embassy and presents an integrally complete instrument or document;

b. is attested to be identified by the through competent evidence of identity;

c. represents to the Embassy that the signature on the instrument or document was voluntarily affixed by him for the purposes stated in the instrument or document, declares that he has executed the instrument or documents as his free and voluntary act and deed, and, if he acts in a particular representative capacity, that he has the authority to sign in that capacity.

• AFFIDAVIT/JURAT

Refers to an act in which an individual on a single occasions:

a. appears in person before the signing officer of the Embassy and presents an instrument or document;

b. is identified by the Embassy through competent evidence of identity;

c. signs the instrument or document in the presence of the signing officer of the Embassy;

d. takes an oath or affirmation before the signing officer of the Embassy as to such instrument or document.