Before a notarial services attorney can certify your signature or your documents, they have to be sure of one thing: that you are who you say you are. Showing proper proof of identity is the first step of every appointment. If your ID isn’t acceptable, the notarization can’t go ahead, however urgent your documents are.
This guide explains which forms of identification we accept, the common problems that cause delays, and what to bring so your appointment goes smoothly.
Why proof of identity matters
Thailand doesn’t have a separate “notary public” office like some countries do. Notarial work here is done by notarial services attorneys, Thai lawyers who are registered for this role with the Lawyers Council of Thailand. When an attorney notarizes your document, they personally confirm three things:
- the person signing is the person named in the document,
- that person signed in front of them, and
- they signed willingly and understood what they were signing.
The authority receiving your document relies on that confirmation. This could be an embassy, a foreign court, a bank or a land office. Checking your ID carefully protects you against fraud. It also stops your document from being rejected later.
Accepted forms of identification
Please bring the original of one of the following. It must be current and unexpired:
- Foreign nationals: a valid passport. This is the ID we prefer for anyone who isn’t Thai.
- Thai nationals: a Thai national ID card or a valid Thai passport.
Whichever ID you use, it should:
- be issued by a government,
- show a clear photo that still looks like you,
- carry your signature, so we can compare it with the one you sign in front of us,
- show your full name exactly as it appears in the document you’re signing, and
- be in good condition, with the photo, name and ID number easy to read.
Other documents, such as a driving licence or a work permit, may help as supporting ID. They usually can’t replace a passport or national ID card. If you plan to rely on one, please check with us first.
Common problems that delay notarization
- Expired ID: even if it expired recently, we can’t accept it as primary identification.
- Copies or photos: photocopies, scans and pictures on your phone can’t take the place of the original.
- Name mismatches: sometimes the name in your document is different from the name on your ID, for example after marriage, divorce or a legal name change. Please bring the supporting certificate that links the two names.
- Signing in advance: please don’t sign your document before the appointment. The attorney has to see you sign it.
- Someone else attending for you: every person whose signature needs notarizing must come in person with their own ID.
Signing on behalf of a company
If you are signing for a company, bring your own personal ID as described above. Also bring documents that show you have the authority to sign, such as:
- a recent company affidavit or certificate of registration showing you as an authorized director, or
- a board resolution or power of attorney that authorizes you to sign this particular document.
Your appointment checklist
- Your original, valid passport or Thai ID card
- The document to be notarized, unsigned
- Supporting name-change documents, if your names don’t match
- Company authority documents, if you are signing for a company
- Details of the country and organization that will receive the document
For a full list, see What to Bring.
What happens after notarization?
Many notarized documents are going to be used abroad, so they need an extra step after notarization. At the moment, that usually means legalization by the Department of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Some countries then also require their embassy in Thailand to legalize the document.
Thailand deposited its accession to the Hague Apostille Convention on 30 June 2026. The Convention is scheduled to take effect for Thailand on 28 February 2027. After that date, documents going to other member countries will need a single apostille instead of the full legalization chain. Until then, the current legalization process still applies. Tell us where your document is going and we’ll confirm the right route. You can also read more on our Legalisation and Apostille Requirements pages.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use an expired passport if I also bring my new one?
Bring your new, valid passport. You’ll need the old one only if your document mentions its number. In that case, bring both.
Can you notarize a document without me being there?
No. Every signer must appear in person and show an original ID. If you can’t travel to us, ask about our mobile notary service. We can come to your home, office, hotel or hospital in Bangkok.
My Thai name and English name are spelled differently. Is that a problem?
Different spellings are common and can usually be handled. Please let us know before your appointment, and bring any document that shows both spellings, such as your passport and ID card together.
Ready to book?
If you’re not sure whether your ID will be accepted, send us a photo of it before your appointment and we’ll check it for you. You can reach us on +66 (0) 95 734 4242 or at info@notary-public.in.th, or you can book an appointment. We’re open Monday to Sunday, 08:30 to 19:00.