Unlike a notarization (Beurkundung), in which a notary assumes responsibility for the content of a document, in a certification of signature (Unterschriftsbeglaubigung), the notary only certifies the signature itself. The signature must either be made (executed) in the presence of the notary or confirmed (recognized) by the signatory.

Certification therefore always requires the signatory to appear in person before the notary. Unlike in Austria, for example, the certification of a signature recognized by telephone or through a third party (including notary employees) is strictly prohibited in Germany.

If you therefore have documents that require a certification of your signature, we recommend the following procedure:

• Check the documents carefully before visiting the notary.
• As a rule, only the person who drafted the documents can provide you with information about their content, not the notary, who merely certifies your signature.
• Clarify (preferably in consultation with us) whether simple certification is sufficient or whether notarization is required; this is often unclear, especially in the case of texts for use abroad.
• If the text is to be used abroad, please clarify in advance (in consultation with the respective foreign authority) whether an additional certification (apostille) or legalization of the document is necessary.
• Please make an appointment with the notary's office.
• Please bring valid photo ID with you to the appointment (to be on the safe side, even if you are known to the notary personally, as there may be a substitute notary who does not know you). If the certification is related to a real estate purchase or a matter of company law, only identity cards from an EU member state or passports can be accepted; a driver's license or identity card from a non-EU country is therefore not sufficient.