Notarial certificates (actas) provide authoritative evidence of facts or circumstances: that something happened, that someone received a communication or that a website showed certain content at a given time. Unlike deeds, no contract is concluded: the notary attests to what they perceive with their own senses, without giving a legal assessment.
What you are signing
- Request (requerimiento): you ask the notary to act and explain what you want to evidence and why.
- Record of proceedings (diligencias): the notary describes what they witnessed, notified or verified, stating the date, time and place.
- Attached documents: photographs, screenshots, letters or any other document annexed to the certificate.
A notarial certificate is highly valuable evidence before courts and public authorities.
Transactions and documents
Identity documents for the applicant are listed below, in the common section.
Certificate of presence
The notary attends to verify a fact: the condition of a property, a meeting, a prize draw, building works…
Documents
- Description of what needs to be evidenced, the address and when the verification should take place.
Formal notice and demand
Used to give formal notice to another person (for example, terminating a contract or claiming a payment) or to require them to do or stop doing something.
Documents
- Text of the notice.
- Name and address of the recipient.
Certificate of statements
Records a person’s statements about facts known to them, under their own responsibility.
Documents
- Identification of the person making the statement and its content.
Certificate of notoriety
Used to establish well-known facts, such as a person being known by a certain name or an asset having belonged to someone for years.
Documents
- Documents supporting the fact and, usually, witnesses.
Certificate of online content
The notary checks and records the content of a website, social media profile or email at a given time.
Documents
- The web address or profile to be checked and, where applicable, login details that you will enter in the notary’s presence.
Frequently asked questions
Can the notary make recordings or investigate?
No. The notary attests to what they perceive directly, but does not investigate or assess the facts.
What if the recipient of a notice is not there?
The notary records the attempt and, depending on the case, may deliver the notice to another person at the address or leave a notification. The law regulates the effects of each situation.
Identity documents (common to all transactions)
Individuals
- Valid ID card, NIE or passport.
- Marital status and, if married, your matrimonial property regime (and any marital agreement deed).
- Foreign nationals need an NIE (foreigner identification number) for transactions with tax implications.
Companies
- Deed of incorporation and current articles of association, recorded at the Commercial Registry.
- The company’s tax ID (NIF).
- Deed appointing the director, or the representative’s registered power of attorney.
- Details for the beneficial ownership declaration.
If you act on behalf of someone else
- Authorised copy of the notarial power of attorney.
This information is for guidance only. Depending on the circumstances, the notary’s office may request additional documents.