Private Notary vs Public Notary in Dubai: Which One Do You Need?
By Mousa Al Amri, Mousa Al Amri Advocates & Legal Consultants & Private Notary Services, Deira, Dubai.
Search for a notary public in Dubai and you will find two kinds of option: the Dubai Courts public notary, and private notaries like our office in Deira. People often ask us whether they are the same thing, whether one is "more official" than the other, and which one they should use.
This guide gives you the honest answer, including when a private notary is not the right choice.
Need notary services in Dubai? Our Deira office replies promptly — message us for a free quote.
The Key Difference
Dubai Courts' public notary is the government service. A private notary is a licensed attorney authorized by Dubai Courts to notarize documents within a defined scope — not every matter a public notary handles is available through a private notary.
Both work within Dubai Courts' system. The difference is not about one being real and the other not: it is about who provides the service, how you get to it, and which matters each one can handle.
What Is the Dubai Courts Public Notary?
The Dubai Courts public notary is the government notary service, run by Dubai Courts itself. It handles notarial matters including those that fall outside a private notary's scope. For details of how to use it, check directly with Dubai Courts.
What Is a Private Notary in Dubai?
A private notary is a licensed attorney authorized by Dubai Courts to notarize documents within a defined scope. Our office, Mousa Al Amri Advocates & Legal Consultants & Private Notary Services, is a Dubai Courts licensed private notary at Al Reem Tower, Office No. 303, 08 Al Maktoum Road, Deira.
Because a private notary is also a law office, you can get help preparing the document itself, not only the notarization. Each signing party gives a mobile number and email address, because Dubai Courts sends a one-time code (OTP) as part of the process.
When to Use Which
Use a private notary when
- ✓You want an appointment at a set time
- ✓You need help preparing or drafting the document
- ✓Your matter is one of the services a private notary handles (see the list below)
Use the Dubai Courts public notary when
Your matter is outside a private notary's scope. If you are not sure, check with Dubai Courts or ask us. We will tell you if your matter needs the public notary.
What Our Private Notary Office Handles
- Power of Attorney
- Certified true copies
- Affidavits
- Declarations
- Child travel consent
- Signature specimen
- Legal translation
- Eviction notices
- Online notarization via UAE Pass
For prices, see our fee list.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a private notary and a public notary in Dubai?+
Dubai Courts' public notary is the government service. A private notary is a licensed attorney authorized by Dubai Courts to notarize documents within a defined scope — not every matter a public notary handles is available through a private notary.
Is a document notarized by a private notary valid?+
A private notary is authorized by Dubai Courts and works within Dubai Courts' system, for the matters inside its licensed scope. If your matter falls outside that scope, it needs the public notary instead. Ask us and we will tell you which applies.
How do I know if my matter needs the Dubai Courts public notary?+
Check with Dubai Courts, or send us the details on WhatsApp. We will tell you if your matter needs the public notary rather than a private notary.
What do I need to bring to a private notary?+
Copies of your ID documents (passport and Emirates ID), the document to be notarized, and a mobile number and email address for each signing party, because Dubai Courts sends a one-time code (OTP) during the process.
How much does a private notary charge?+
See our fee list on the notary fees page. For anything not listed there, send us your document and we will quote after review.
General Information Disclaimer
The content of this article is provided for general reference purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Procedures are set by the relevant authorities and may change. For advice specific to your documents and circumstances, contact us directly.
Related Resources
Not Sure Which Notary You Need?
Send us your document on WhatsApp. If it is something we handle, we will tell you what to bring. If it needs the Dubai Courts public notary, we will tell you that too.
WhatsApp: +971 52 189 2545