Notary: define the assignment and services
Signature certification confirms authenticity; a certified copy confirms correspondence with a presented original. This does not validate all content.
Define the assignment
A public deed follows a different procedure. Give the purpose rather than merely asking for a notarial stamp.
Specify the result
Contract or deed work may involve preparation, discussion, copies and registry steps. Simple certification does not automatically include this work. Establish the correct form and responsible office for the case.
| Service | Agreement to make |
|---|---|
| Signature | Clarify identity, document and signing authority |
| Copy | Original and number of copies |
| Public deed | Draft, explanation and further steps |
Prepare the inquiry
Give record type, known count and available drafts. Identity documents, authorities and originals are agreed with the responsible office. For foreign recipients mention destination and known requirements; keep personal document content out of the first inquiry.
Describe the scope and available information without copying confidential originals into the first inquiry. Unknown technical details can remain open. Later agree a suitable transfer channel and a person responsible for questions.
Clarify responsibilities and limits
Organisation, responsibility and fees depend on cantonal arrangements. The locally authorised officer or office matters for a particular transaction. Apostille or further legalisation depends on recipient and destination; it is not automatic. A certified signature does not replace a required public deed.
Compare costs and billing
Check regulated fee items and additional charged work. Preparation, copies, translations and registry fees may be separate. A simple certification price is not the total for contract drafting or property transfer.
Compare the same service over the same period. Ask for setup, ongoing work, additional effort, expenses and VAT to be shown separately where applicable. Clarify approval of additional work. Without specific information a national price range would be misleading.
How the assignment proceeds
First check purpose and responsibility. Then agree records, drafts and appointment. Have content and open questions explained before signing. Finally check copies and any further offices that must act.
First discuss the objective, scope and responsibilities. The quotation then records services, assumptions and exclusions. Check an agreed first stage before substantial further work starts. At completion record the result, unresolved matters and handover; changes need an agreed approval process.
Compare quotations carefully
Check what will actually be delivered and what contribution you must make, as well as price. A low basic fee can be offset by extras or missing services. Give every provider the same requirements.
| Check | What the quotation should explain |
|---|---|
| Scope | Included work and expressly excluded tasks |
| Cooperation | Contact person, questions and approvals |
| Billing | Charging basis, extras and terms for additional work |
| Responsibility | Confirm canton, transaction and authorised office |
Checklist before starting
These points help define the right assignment.
- Form. Distinguish certification and public deed
- Recipient. Clarify use and known requirements
- Process. Agree originals, appointment and next steps
Frequently asked questions
Can I inquire without knowing the right form?
Yes. Describe purpose and recipient. The responsible office determines the service needed.
Is an apostille always required?
No. Requirements depend on document, recipient and destination. Clarify the specific authentication route first.
Do I need complete records first?
No. Explain what is available and what remains to be clarified. Records needed for the actual work are agreed later.
Should I include confidential content in the inquiry?
No. A brief description of the need is enough. Credentials, complete customer files and information about third parties belong in a later agreed protected exchange.
Is the commissioned service free?
The free quotation inquiry does not replace a fee proposal. Agree costs and assignment terms with the selected provider.
How is the timetable agreed?
Give any known date and explain its significance. The provider must check capacity, necessary information and dependencies; an inquiry does not yet confirm a delivery date.
