Notarial certifications

This is the most frequent notarial act. The notary records that the signature was placed in their presence by an identified person. It is used for private contracts, letters of attorney, bank forms, travel authorizations, foreign-bound documents and administrative procedures. Personal attendance with a valid identity document is required; the signature is affixed on the spot. If the person cannot sign, a signature by proxy (a ruego) is available: another person signs on their behalf, with a record of the situation, the attending party's stated will and the identity of both individuals.

The notary certifies that a photocopy is a faithful reproduction of the original document presented to them. The original must be produced.

Proof of life (certificate of existence): attests that the person is alive, based on personal attendance and identification. Used for social security procedures and collection of pensions, including those from abroad. Domicile certificate: records the address declared by the attending party. Used in banking, employment and housing procedures.

The notary records a detailed account of facts they directly witness (the condition of a property, delivery of documents, content of messages, state of a web page, proceedings of a meeting). The attestation deed has enhanced evidentiary value and serves as pre-constituted evidence.

Incorporating a private document into the notary's record book (protocolization) gives it a certified date and permanent safekeeping. Private contracts and documents from abroad that have already been Apostilled or legalized are commonly protocolized.

Apostille: Uruguay acceded to the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 (Law 18.836), in force since 14 October 2012. The Apostille is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRREE) through its legalization department. Once Apostilled, the document is valid in all other contracting States without further formality. Consular legalization: for countries that have not joined the Convention, the notary's or official's signature is legalized at the MRREE and the document is then presented to the destination country's consulate in Uruguay. Reverse process: documents issued abroad must come with an Apostille (if from a contracting State) or with consular legalization. If in another language, they require translation by a certified Uruguayan public translator.

- Simple certifications (signature, copy): on the spot. - Notarial attestation deeds: to be coordinated in advance. - Apostille at the MRREE: 1 to 5 business days. - Consular legalization: 2 to 4 weeks depending on the country.

If you need to certify signatures, copies, obtain a proof of life, draw up a notarial attestation deed or process an Apostille, reach out to us.