Certify a signature
What is it?
Do you need to prove that the signature on a document is really yours? If so, you can have your signature authenticated. You can arrange this through your local municipality. The municipality will then certify that the signature is genuine.
Signature certification is often required:
- on documents that need to be sent abroad
- if you give your consent for something, for example, if you act as a guarantor for family or friends from abroad
- if you want to settle an inheritance abroad
How does it work?
- You must authenticate a signature yourself. You cannot have someone else do it for you.
- The municipality will stamp the document to confirm that this is the same signature as the one on your passport or ID card. The legalization only verifies that your signature is genuine. It does not comment on the content of the document or form.
- The municipal official will compare the signature on the document with the signature on your ID.
What should I do?
- You must come in person with the document you will be signing.
- You must sign the document in the presence of the official.
- The official will compare it to the signature on your ID.
- Through legalization, the municipality certifies that this is your signature.
What do I need?
- the document you wish to sign
- your valid identification (passport, driver's license, Dutch ID card, or alien registration document)
How long does it take?
Your signature will be notarized immediately. You will receive the document right away.