For many people, a visit to the notary looks like this: you arrive, you sign, you leave. In reality, the process is far more serious. Notary services protect your legal interests – and that protection depends directly on the type of service you choose. Before you go to the office, it’s good to know exactly what questions to ask.
What a Notary Does – and What Isn’t Their Job
A notary is not simply someone who stamps documents. They make sure the document is drawn up correctly, safely, and in accordance with the law. They establish a person’s identity and verify their legal capacity and authority.
The scope of content review differs by the form of certification; identity and legal capacity are also checked when certifying a signature on a private act. Source.
Public Act and Private Act – What They Mean and Which Is Better
Notarial certification is carried out in two main forms. They may look identical on the surface, but legally they are entirely different.
Public Act
In the case of a public act, the notary verifies not only the signature but the entire document. They establish whether the person’s will is correctly expressed, whether the document complies with the law, and they explain the legal consequences to the party. This is more complete protection.
Private Act
In the case of a private act, the notary, as a rule, confirms the authenticity of the signature. Responsibility for the content of the document lies with the person who signs it. The notary still checks identity, legal capacity and the legal requirements applicable to the act. Source.
Power of Attorney – the Most Common Reason for Visiting a Notary
A power of attorney is the most common reason people turn to a notary. It is needed when one person grants another the authority to perform a specific action.
A power of attorney can be used to:
- have representation before various institutions
- manage certain matters
- sign documents on someone else’s behalf
Important: if a person does not have the legal right to perform a specific action, the notary is obliged not to issue such a power of attorney.
Translator in Notarial Proceedings – Formality or Requirement?
The involvement of a translator is generally required when a participating party does not speak Georgian, subject to the exceptions in the notarial instruction, including the notary’s knowledge of the relevant language and applicable private-act cases. The notary explains the legal consequences; the translator conveys these explanations accurately. Source.
A translator helps the client to:
- understand the content of the power of attorney
- grasp the exact scope of the authority
- understand the possible legal consequences
- clarify every important detail
This requirement is not a formality. A person must make an informed decision and sign only what they genuinely understand.
Translation – Preparing the Document Linguistically
Before a notarial act, the document itself often needs translation – especially when a document issued by a foreign body needs to be submitted to a Georgian notary office. In this case, the translation becomes an integral part of the notarial procedure.
Notary Service Fees – What to Expect
The fee depends on the form of certification – and the difference is significant:
| Form | Fee |
|---|---|
| Public act (power of attorney) | Base fee: GEL 18 for an individual; GEL 30 for a legal entity or individual entrepreneur |
| Private act | Signature certification follows the GEL 6/4/3/2 tariff tiers by document page range; ask the notary for the exact calculation |
| Written translation fee | from GEL 15 per page |
The final amount depends on the applicable tariff, number of pages and signatures, registration and any additional services. VAT is added where applicable. Ask the notary to confirm the form accepted by the receiving institution and the total fee in advance. Source.
A Notary or a Law Firm – Which Do You Need?
Not every situation is resolved at a notary office. Sometimes broader legal consultation is needed – especially when the matter concerns business registration, property disputes, residence permits, or complex contractual issues.
In such cases, instead of – or alongside – a notary, you may need legal support. Just Advisors is a law firm operating in Tbilisi that serves both individuals and companies in Georgian, Russian, and English.
Translator in Tbilisi – Who Can Help You?
When looking for a translator in Tbilisi for a notarial procedure, it’s important that the specialist is experienced specifically in this field. Notarial terminology is specific – general language knowledge is not enough.
Before going to the notary, it’s advisable to choose a translator in advance who will accurately translate the document and the notary’s explanations, and advise you on which notary is best for a given transaction. Source.
Questions to Ask Before Visiting a Notary
- Will the power of attorney be prepared as a public act or a private act?
- Does the notary take responsibility for the content of the document?
- Is a translator needed?
- What will the final fee be?
To find a notary, you can use the official registry of the Notary Chamber of Georgia, which lists all licensed notary offices with addresses and contact information – or contact me, and I will help you choose a suitable and competent notary for your needs.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a public and a private notarial act?
In a public act, the notary also verifies the document’s content and expression of will. In a private act, certification generally concerns the signature; identity and legal capacity are still checked. Responsibility for the content lies with the person who signs it. Source.
When is the involvement of a translator mandatory?
Generally when the person does not speak Georgian, subject to the exceptions in the notarial instruction. The notary explains the legal consequences, and the translator accurately translates the document and those explanations. Source.
How much does notarial certification of a power of attorney cost?
The public-act base fee is GEL 18 for an individual and GEL 30 for a legal entity or individual entrepreneur. Signature certification follows a separate tiered tariff. Registration, applicable VAT and additional services affect the final amount. Source.
Can a notary refuse to issue a power of attorney?
Yes, if the legal requirements for the act are not met. Limited legal capacity alone does not mean automatic refusal: the notary must assess the particular act and any required consent or representation. Source.
What is a power of attorney used for?
A power of attorney is needed when one person grants another the authority to perform a specific action – including representation, managing matters, or signing documents.
Why might a private act cost more than a public one?
The amount depends on the applicable tariff, document pages, signatures and additional services. Request an individual calculation. Source.
Besides a notary, might I need another specialist?
Yes. If the matter goes beyond notarial scope – for example, a residence permit or a contractual dispute – you may need the help of a law firm.
Author: Tsisana Kalandia, Certified Translator – tktranslations.ge