Notaries in Costa Rica: Roles, Requirements, and How to Verify Them
Notaries in Costa Rica: Key Legal Functions and How to Verify Their Credentials
The word “Notary” originates from Latin, meaning title or record. Since ancient times, notaries have authenticated documents to validate their approval and legality. Their role is crucial in civil and notarial law as they grant legal value to the actions taken by the parties involved.
Who Can Become a Notary in Costa Rica?
To become a notary in Costa Rica, one must meet specific qualifications. The Notarial Code of Costa Rica stipulates that an individual must:
- Be a Costa Rican citizen by birth or a Central American citizen with at least four years of residency in the country.
- Hold a Bachelor’s degree in Law, followed by a specialization or master’s degree in Notarial and Registry Law.
- Have been a member of the Costa Rican Bar Association for at least two years.
It’s essential to note that while all notaries are lawyers, not all lawyers are notaries.
Responsibilities of a Notary in Costa Rica
A notary in Costa Rica is legally responsible for advising and assisting clients in drafting, reviewing, and registering contracts and official documents. In Costa Rica, notaries hold public faith, meaning they have the authority to certify the authenticity of documents and acts.
Notaries must also maintain a strict record of each legal act within an official book known as a protocol, which is authorized by the Republic of Costa Rica. Some of the key responsibilities of a notary include:
- Facilitating vehicle transfers and property title transactions
- Handling probate processes and sworn declarations
- Forming corporations and other legal entities
- Authenticating documents that require official certification
How to Verify if Your Lawyer is a Notary in Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, it’s easy to verify if someone is a registered notary. You can access the official notarial registry at https://consulta.dnn.go.cr:8443/. Simply enter the notary’s information to confirm their credentials as a public notary.
Need Notarial Assistance in Costa Rica?
At BLULEX, our team of experienced notaries and legal experts is here to help with any of your notarial needs in Costa Rica. Whether you need assistance with property transactions, business formation, or document authentication, we are ready to provide you with reliable and comprehensive support. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist with your legal and notarial matters in Costa Rica.
