What does notarial mean?
Notarial means connected with a notary or with the official acts performed by one. A notary is an authorized official who verifies identities, witnesses signatures, and performs certain legal formalities. Documents and certificates described as notarial have been authenticated through that official process, often by bearing a notary's signature or seal. The term is especially associated with legal, commercial, and property transactions in which a formally witnessed or certified document is required. In everyday English, it normally carries an institutional and procedural connotation rather than suggesting personal opinion. The adjective is related to the noun notary and is chiefly used in established legal expressions such as notarial certificate, notarial seal, and notarial act. Although notarial occurs in both British and American legal usage, its frequency and precise application vary by jurisdiction and by the legal requirements governing notarial work.
adjectiveRelating to a notary, a notary public, or acts performed or officially attested by a notary. In legal contexts, it often describes a document, certificate, seal, or act that has been formally authenticated.
- Relating to a notary or the performance of a notary's official duties.
- Formally executed, authenticated, or attested by a notary.
"The solicitor obtained a notarial certificate to certify the signature."
"A notarial certificate was attached to the affidavit."
"The translation was submitted with a notarial seal for verification."
Notarial documents carry authority through the notary's official seal, making them distinct from merely signed paperwork.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does notarial come from?
Notarial entered English from French notarial, formed from notary. The word ultimately traces through Latin forms connected with notus, meaning “known,” reflecting the notary's role in making identities and documents officially known or attested.
Related word forms
How notarial is actually used
This is primarily a formal legal term. It is more common in jurisdictions that formally recognize notaries and may be associated with civil-law legal traditions, although it is understood in British and American English.
Easily confused with notarial
Notarial is an adjective describing something connected with a notary, whereas notary is a noun for the official who witnesses signatures and performs legal acts.