Notarization in Thailand is performed by Notarial Services Attorneys registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand. Documents are then typically legalized at the MFA Department of Legalisation before embassy submission.
Licensed by the Lawyers Council of Thailand
Certification of the Existence of Documents
Notary Public attorneys verify and certify that a document or legal act ‘exists in the form presented’ on the day of certification — for litigation, intellectual property, and business disputes.
Licensed Notarial Services Attorneys · Lawyers Council of Thailand
Our Team of 6 Licensed Notary Public Attorneys
Certification of the Existence of Documents is a notarial act in which a Notary Public attorney inspects a document or tangible fact and issues a certificate stating that ‘the document or item exists in the form and condition described on the date and time of certification.’ It differs from a true-copy certification by focusing on proof of ‘existence at a point in time,’ which has strong evidentiary value in litigation, copyright/patent disputes, delivery confirmation, website/screen-state verification, and evidence preservation before international arbitration.
Starting fee: THB 2,000/set — Provided by Thai Notary Law & Service Co., Ltd., DBD Reg. 0405565001923, Thailand.
How to use Certification of the Existence of Documents
1
Contact us via LINE @Thainotary or call +66 94-895-8999 to describe the document.
2
Send a photo/scan in advance so our attorney can review and quote.
3
Book an appointment — at our office, on-site, or online via Zoom.
4
Prepare original documents and ID/passport per the checklist below.
5
Sign in front of the attorney and receive the notarized document the same day.
When is this service needed?
Litigation evidence: when you must prove that a document, image, or event existed before a complaint was filed — copyright infringement on websites, defamatory posts, brand/logo appearance before trademark registration, delivery of goods, the state of a property before a lease, and preservation of LINE/WhatsApp/email messages for evidence.
Intellectual property: designers, artists, writers, composers, and software developers use this service to prove ‘the date a work came into being’ before publication or infringement — a critical element in copyright proof under Thai law and the Berne Convention.
Cross-border business: preserving evidence before international arbitration (ICC, SIAC, HKIAC) — the state of contract documents, shipment evidence, goods condition on delivery, and financial documents confirming payment.
Our certification method and the evidence we keep
Our attorneys certify in a form designed for court proof: (1) physically inspect the original document/item, (2) capture photographs and video with timestamp and GPS, (3) read and inspect the document's content in full, (4) log the act in the Notarial Register, and (5) issue a certificate referencing the attorney's registration number with the Notary seal.
We archive document copies, photographs, video, and full metadata in secure cloud storage for 15 years, so that clients can call the file back for use as evidence in court at any time, complete with a chain-of-custody record.
Certifying existence of websites and digital data
Digital-era infringement often happens on websites, social media, apps, and email — where evidence can disappear in hours. Our service covers certifying the existence of URLs, screens, conversations, messages, and digital files on a specific date and time. The attorney uses an office computer, captures the screen with cryptographic-hash-enabled software, archives the source HTML, and records the relevant IP and DNS lookup.
This evidence is used in online copyright, social-media defamation, and electronic fraud cases — accepted in Thai courts and many foreign courts, especially when paired with cryptographic hashing that proves the file has not been altered since certification.
Real cases — preserving evidence before it's too late
A Thai designer discovered her work copied on a foreign website — before issuing a DMCA Takedown, our team certified the infringing page, archived screenshots and the hashed HTML within 2 hours of discovery, and the client recovered USD 15,000 in compensation from the foreign platform.
A Thai exporter shipping to Europe faced a dispute over product condition — we visited the port before shipment, inspected the container and goods, issued a certification with photos, and the evidence won the SIAC arbitration with full payment recovered.
A composer wanted to record the date a song was completed — we certified the original .wav file and the score sheet on the day the composer visited our office. The evidence supported copyright registration with the Department of Intellectual Property and was decisive when the song was later used without permission.
Service area and on-scene attendance
Service covers all 77 provinces. For emergency evidence preservation, our team is on-call 24 hours in Bangkok and surrounding provinces, and can travel up-country — Phuket, Chonburi, Rayong, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, and EEC industrial cities — within 6–12 hours for time-sensitive evidence.
Meetings at major Bangkok malls and coworking cafés are also possible — CentralWorld, Siam Paragon, ICONSIAM, EmQuartier, Central Embassy, Thonglor, Ekkamai, and locations near every BTS/MRT station — for clients who must preserve evidence on short notice.
Pricing and evidence retention
From THB 2,000 per set for standard documents — one document with photos. Website/digital-file certification adds THB 1,500–3,500 depending on complexity. On-scene visits add THB 1,500–3,000 in Bangkok or THB 3,500–10,000 up-country. The 15-year cloud archive is included in every package.
Real notarized samples
Real client samples
Certificate of existence with supporting photo
Attorney certifying existence of a document
Common documents handled
Certify infringing web page before DMCA Takedown
Prove date design was completed before publication
Preserve goods condition before international shipment
Certify LINE/WhatsApp messages as case evidence
Prove existence of software before patent filing
Before your appointment
The document, digital file, or item to be certified
Original ID of the requestor
Use context (litigation/IP/business) so the attorney can tailor the format
If URL/screen: send the URL ahead so the attorney can prepare the tooling
Service fee:2,000–12,000 THB
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is a Thai Notary Public different from a foreign Notary Public?
In Thailand, the Notary Public role is performed by ‘Notarial Services Attorneys’ licensed by the Lawyers Council of Thailand. Their certifications are valid abroad once further attested by the MFA Department of Consular Affairs and the destination embassy.
How long does the process take?
Typically 30–60 minutes per document set when booked in advance. MFA legalization adds 1–3 working days.
Can the notarized document be used abroad immediately?
Most overseas use requires three steps: (1) Notary by attorney (2) MFA legalization (3) Destination embassy attestation. We handle all three.
What is the starting fee, and are there additional costs?
Notary by attorney starts at THB 1,500 per document set. MFA legalization adds THB 200–800 government fee and THB 2,500–5,000 service fee per applicant for filing.
How much evidentiary weight does this carry in Thai and foreign courts?
In Thai courts, evidence certified by a Notary Public attorney is recognized as documentary evidence of strong weight — especially when accompanied by chain-of-custody and cryptographic hashing. In foreign courts and in ICC/SIAC/HKIAC arbitration, the same evidence is accepted after MFA legalization and destination-embassy attestation.
Can we reach the team for after-hours emergencies?
Yes — we offer 24-hour Notary On-Call in Bangkok and surrounding provinces for time-sensitive evidence: web pages that may be deleted, goods damage that must be recorded before repair, or documents needed the next day. After-hours fees are transparently published in advance.
Certification of Existence (incl. digital/Hash) — attorney attests that "as of date/time X, this document or digital asset existed". For copyright, IP evidence, source code, design files, emails and webpage screenshots. THB 2,000, 10-year Hash retention, admissible in Thai courts and WIPO.
Key facts
Turnaround
Same day
Fee from
THB 2,000
Accepted by
Thai courts + WIPO + UDRP + foreign courts
Validity
Copyright life (50–70 yrs)
Pricing & turnaround
Fee from
THB
Turnaround
1 paper document
2,000
Same day
Digital file + SHA-256 hash
2,500
Same day
Web snapshot + WHOIS + time
3,000
Same day
Source code (Git commit + hash)
4,500
1 business day
Step-by-step
1
Bring file/document
Bring original/USB — we lock against edits + compute SHA-256/SHA-512 hash.
Issue certificate with QR linking to online Hash verifier (10-year retention).
4
MFA/Apostille (overseas use)
For WIPO or UDRP use, optionally chain through MFA or Apostille.
Service-specific FAQ
Why a lawyer instead of blockchain timestamp?
Blockchain timestamps are not yet evidentiary in Thai or most courts. A Notary certificate has legal weight under Civil Procedure Code §94 and is accepted in 100+ countries.
Can you handle large files (video, dataset)?
Yes — we compute the hash without storing the file (you keep it). We store only hash + timestamp + attorney signature.
Valid for Thai DIP copyright registration?
Supplementary evidence — Thai DIP accepts it as additional proof of creation date alongside the author's declaration.
Actually usable in UDRP (domain disputes)?
Yes — WIPO Arbitration Center accepts Notary Certificate of Existence as proof of prior use; we've prepared 200+ UDRP cases.
Online Hash verification — how many years?
10-year guarantee — stored on 99.95% SLA infra with off-site backup; renewable annually thereafter.
Lawyers Council of Thailand — Notarial Services Attorney licence issued by the Lawyers Council of Thailand under Royal Patronage. [ref]
Civil and Commercial Code of Thailand — Civil & Commercial Code §§ 9 and 798 — signature acknowledgement and powers of attorney. [ref]
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Thailand) — Notarised documents are further authenticated by the MFA Department of Consular Affairs before embassy submission. [ref]
Supplemental Q&A from the 2026 SEO brief (this service)
What can a Notary Public in Thailand actually do?
In Thailand the role is called Notarial Services Attorney. It covers (1) signature attestation, (2) certified true copies, (3) affidavits and oaths, (4) existence of documents, (5) certified translations, and (6) corporate documents such as POAs, meeting minutes and company affidavits — all for overseas use.
Why can Thai lawyers act as 'Notary Public' when Thailand is a civil-law jurisdiction?
The Lawyers Council of Thailand's 2008 regulation on 'Notarial Services Attorneys' allows accredited lawyers who complete the special course and register to perform Notary-equivalent acts. Their seal and signature are accepted overseas after MFA + embassy legalization, or via Apostille from 28 Feb 2027.
How long does notarization take?
The notarization itself takes 15-30 minutes in-person and can be completed same-day. Adding MFA + embassy legalization takes 3-7 more business days; the Apostille route takes 1-2 business days for Hague Convention member states.
How much does a Notary Public cost?
Starting rates: CTC ฿800/set, signature attestation ฿1,500-2,500, POA/Affidavit ฿2,000-3,000, full corporate packs from ฿3,000. Mobile-visit fees added by distance; MFA fees are separate.
Get started today
Send your document or get a quote — we reply within 1 working hour.
Real customer questions, answered by our attorneys
Selected from our knowledge base of 3,300+ real questions we have answered.
Do foreign personal income tax payment receipts require MFA legalization for Thai tax use?
Consular / Apostille
Quick summary for expats, HR and law firms to "Do foreign personal income tax payment receipts require MFA legalization for Thai tax use?" — Standard outbound chain: original from the issuing Thai authority → certified English translation → MFA certification of the translation/signature → destination-embassy legalisation in Bangkok (only for non-Apostille countries). Typical documents: house registration, birth/marriage/divorce certificates, name-change records, death certificates, single-status letters, police clearance, degrees and transcripts, company affidavits, VAT Por.Por.20, financial statements, powers of attorney and cross-border contracts. Send a photo of the document to LINE @Thainotary and we will quote the chain, cost and timeline within 15 minutes.
What jurisdictional impact do foreign bankruptcy rulings have on assets located in Thailand?
Consular / Apostille
Short answer to "What jurisdictional impact do foreign bankruptcy rulings have on assets located in Thailand?" — Typical documents: house registration, birth/marriage/divorce certificates, name-change records, death certificates, single-status letters, police clearance, degrees and transcripts, company affidavits, VAT Por.Por.20, financial statements, powers of attorney and cross-border contracts. Government fee is THB 200 per stamp for the normal service (2–3 business days) and THB 400 per stamp for same-day express (file before 11:30). Our end-to-end agency fee starts at THB 1,500–4,500 per set depending on volume and urgency. Free consultation on LINE @Thainotary or call 094-895-8999 (Mon–Sun 08:00–20:00 ICT).
How does the online MFA e-Legalization system function, and what document types are eligible for digital submission?
Consular / Apostille
Practitioner's view to "How does the online MFA e-Legalization system function, and what document types are eligible for digital submission?" — Typical documents: house registration, birth/marriage/divorce certificates, name-change records, death certificates, single-status letters, police clearance, degrees and transcripts, company affidavits, VAT Por.Por.20, financial statements, powers of attorney and cross-border contracts. Government fee is THB 200 per stamp for the normal service (2–3 business days) and THB 400 per stamp for same-day express (file before 11:30). Our end-to-end agency fee starts at THB 1,500–4,500 per set depending on volume and urgency. Free consultation on LINE @Thainotary or call 094-895-8999 (Mon–Sun 08:00–20:00 ICT).
How do international telecommunication spectrum license agreements undergo review?
Consular / Apostille
Practitioner's view to "How do international telecommunication spectrum license agreements undergo review?" — Typical documents: house registration, birth/marriage/divorce certificates, name-change records, death certificates, single-status letters, police clearance, degrees and transcripts, company affidavits, VAT Por.Por.20, financial statements, powers of attorney and cross-border contracts. Government fee is THB 200 per stamp for the normal service (2–3 business days) and THB 400 per stamp for same-day express (file before 11:30). Our end-to-end agency fee starts at THB 1,500–4,500 per set depending on volume and urgency. Free consultation on LINE @Thainotary or call 094-895-8999 (Mon–Sun 08:00–20:00 ICT).
What attestation steps apply to foreign child custody court orders used in Thailand?
Consular / Apostille
Short answer to "What attestation steps apply to foreign child custody court orders used in Thailand?" — Typical documents: house registration, birth/marriage/divorce certificates, name-change records, death certificates, single-status letters, police clearance, degrees and transcripts, company affidavits, VAT Por.Por.20, financial statements, powers of attorney and cross-border contracts. Government fee is THB 200 per stamp for the normal service (2–3 business days) and THB 400 per stamp for same-day express (file before 11:30). Our end-to-end agency fee starts at THB 1,500–4,500 per set depending on volume and urgency. Free consultation on LINE @Thainotary or call 094-895-8999 (Mon–Sun 08:00–20:00 ICT).
How are foreign forensic science and DNA testing laboratory accreditation files legalized?
Consular / Apostille
Practitioner's view to "How are foreign forensic science and DNA testing laboratory accreditation files legalized?" — Typical documents: house registration, birth/marriage/divorce certificates, name-change records, death certificates, single-status letters, police clearance, degrees and transcripts, company affidavits, VAT Por.Por.20, financial statements, powers of attorney and cross-border contracts. Government fee is THB 200 per stamp for the normal service (2–3 business days) and THB 400 per stamp for same-day express (file before 11:30). Our end-to-end agency fee starts at THB 1,500–4,500 per set depending on volume and urgency. Send a photo of the document to LINE @Thainotary and we will quote the chain, cost and timeline within 15 minutes.
Does the Department of Consular Affairs in Chaeng Watthana directly legalize foreign-issued documents?
Consular / Apostille
How we handle this in practice to "Does the Department of Consular Affairs in Chaeng Watthana directly legalize foreign-issued documents?" — Standard outbound chain: original from the issuing Thai authority → certified English translation → MFA certification of the translation/signature → destination-embassy legalisation in Bangkok (only for non-Apostille countries). Typical documents: house registration, birth/marriage/divorce certificates, name-change records, death certificates, single-status letters, police clearance, degrees and transcripts, company affidavits, VAT Por.Por.20, financial statements, powers of attorney and cross-border contracts. Free consultation on LINE @Thainotary or call 094-895-8999 (Mon–Sun 08:00–20:00 ICT).
How do international stock pledge and collateral contracts undergo MFA legalization?
Consular / Apostille
How we handle this in practice to "How do international stock pledge and collateral contracts undergo MFA legalization?" — Standard outbound chain: original from the issuing Thai authority → certified English translation → MFA certification of the translation/signature → destination-embassy legalisation in Bangkok (only for non-Apostille countries). Typical documents: house registration, birth/marriage/divorce certificates, name-change records, death certificates, single-status letters, police clearance, degrees and transcripts, company affidavits, VAT Por.Por.20, financial statements, powers of attorney and cross-border contracts. Send a photo of the document to LINE @Thainotary and we will quote the chain, cost and timeline within 15 minutes.
