Authentication speaks to the genuineness of the signature of a public official found on a document. In some countries, authentication is also known as an apostille. The duty of a notary public in the authentication of documents in Cameroon is very important. The act of certifying that a written document is genuine, credible, and reliable in Cameroon entails an authorized person (a notary public in Cameroon) to attest that the document is in proper legal form and is executed by the person identified as having authority to do so. In many countries just like Cameroon, persons authorized to authenticate documents include consulate officials, notaries, and judicial officers. To be authenticated, your document must bear an original, recognized signature and seal if applicable.
Is authentication by a Notary Public in Cameroon Necessary?
Authentication of documents by a Notary public in Cameroon is necessary for the following documents;
- Personal documents for marriage, adoption, succession, or immigration
- Corporate, commercial, or business documents,
- Documents for the purpose of purchasing or selling land overseas,
- Preparing and authenticating Power of Attorney,
- Verifying original documents (usually identification documents), and certifying true and complete copies of them,
- Witnessing signatures,
- Administering oaths,
- Taking affirmations and declarations,
- Legalizing documents.
What is the duty of a notary public in Cameroon when authenticating documents?
The notary has the duty when authenticating documents in Cameroon to engage the following;
- Verify the format of the document
- Verify the authorizing officer who signed the document
- Verify the seal used on the document
- Verify that the information contained in the document is regular.
Authentication of documents is not required in every case. Some institutions and universities do not require documents to be authenticated before they are considered eligible while others do.