Singapore, 20 September 2019 — From Tuesday, 1 October 2019, all documents that require notarisation[1] will have to be authenticated by the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL). This follows changes to the Singapore Academy of Law (Amendment) Rules 2019 and the Notaries Public (Amendment) Rules 2019, which take effect that day. The revised procedure will strengthen document integrity and prevent cases of fraudulent notarial and authentication certificates.

“The new rule will ensure that all notarised documents originate from appointed notaries who comply with the Notaries Public Rules,” said Ms Serene Wee, Chief Executive, SAL. “With mandatory authentication by SAL, parties receiving these documents can be assured that they are validly certified by a genuine notary.”

SAL appoints and regulates about 700 Notaries Public who are licensed to notarise documents. These licences have a one-year validity, safeguarding the integrity of the notarisation system. As an added measure, SAL will also set up an eRegister of all documents certified by these appointed notaries. From 1 October 2019, members of the public and recipients of notarised documents can log on to https://legalisation.sal.sg to verify the authenticity of notarial certificates. Notaries thus no longer need to keep physical records of their notarised documents. 

The same-day authentication service will cost S$85.60 (incl. GST) per notarial certificate, a sum payable to SAL. These charges are separate from fees payable to Notaries Public for the notarisation of documents. Authentication can be completed at the SAL Counter, located at:

Singapore Academy of Law
1 Coleman Street
#08-06, The Adelphi
Singapore 179803

Authentication can be completed on-the-spot, which means users only have to make one trip to the SAL Counter—instead of two previously. Following this, an authentication certificate will be issued. Documents without this certificate will no longer be accepted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and foreign embassies and consulates in Singapore. Members of the public can call 6332-4388 for greater clarity on the authentication process.

ENDS

[1] The need for notarisation is determined by the party receiving the documents. Where notarisation is required by said party, these documents will have to be authenticated by SAL.

About the Singapore Academy of Law
The Singapore Academy of Law (SAL)’s vision is to make Singapore the legal hub of Asia. SAL works with our stakeholders to set new precedents of excellence in Singapore law through developing thought leadership, world class infrastructure and legal solutions. Our mandates are to build up the intellectual capital of the legal profession by enhancing legal knowledge, raise the international profile of Singapore law, promote Singapore as a centre for dispute resolution, and improve the standards and efficiency of legal practice through continuing professional development and the use of technology. More information can be found at www.sal.org.sg.