Commissioner for Oaths vs Notary Public: Know Which to Choose for Your Documents

I recently learned they are not the same. Both sign and stamp your papers, but their roles differ based on where you’ll use the document. A Commissioner for Oaths is an official in the registry of a state or federal high court. They handle affidavits and declarations for use inside Nigeria. This service is affordable, usually costing only a few thousand naira. A Notary Public is a senior lawyer appointed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria. They can authenticate documents for both local and international use. If your papers need to go abroad—for visas, academic transcripts, or power of attorney—only a Notary Public is acceptable. Always check whether you need a Commissioner for Oaths or a Notary Public before submitting your documents to avoid rejection.

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