Identity at the Notary

Identity is a notarial procedure used to confirm that a paper document and its electronic version are equivalent. It helps speed up the transfer of documents anywhere in the Russian Federation.

How the procedure works

The client presents the original document to a notary. The notary scans or converts the document into PDF format, adds an electronic signature, and certifies it. After that, the electronic copy is sent to the email address specified by the client or to another notary through the unified notarial information system.

Example

Alejandro, who lives in Moscow, needs to urgently send a certificate to his mother, Victoria, who lives in Vladivostok. Standard mail delivery in this case may take at least 11 calendar days. Since Alejandro is pressed for time, waiting for the letter is inconvenient, and there is always a risk that the document may get lost.

In this situation, identity at the notary can help. Alejandro contacts a notary in Moscow and presents the original certificate. The notary converts the document into electronic form, applies an electronic signature, and sends it to a notary in Vladivostok.

Victoria then visits a notary near her home. The notary prints the document and certifies the identity of the copy. Victoria can then submit this document to the required authority. It will have the same legal force as the original, which remains with Alejandro in another city.

Procedure

1. Identify the applicant and verify the applicant’s identity document.
2. Submit the document to the notary.
3. Convert the document from paper to electronic form, or from electronic form to paper form.
4. Send the electronic document to the appropriate recipient.
5. Pay the notarial fee.

Restrictions

Identity does not apply to transactions concluded in simple written form, as well as to identity documents.

Legal basis

The procedure is regulated by Article 103.8 of the Fundamentals of the Legislation of the Russian Federation on Notaries.

What else can be transmitted in this form?

In the same way, not only certificates but also powers of attorney, consents, extracts, and other documents may be transmitted.

Need legal help?

If you are facing a legal issue or a procedure is approaching, request a consultation with Law and Word.

Describe your situation and send the documents to our email address: law@pravoislovo.ru. Our lawyers will respond promptly and suggest the best options for resolving your issue.