As a rule, signatures and hand signs may only be certified by the competent authority if they are executed or recognized in the presence of the certifying employee. You must therefore personally present the relevant document on which you have signed or on which the signature is to be made and show an identity card or passport so that your identity can be established. You must then sign the document in the presence of the employee or recognize the signature as yours. A notarization note will then be affixed.

Special rules apply when the notary certifies the signature of a signature intended for retention by the court: the signature must be executed in the presence of the notary; this is recorded in the certification note.

Special features also apply to the standardized federal forms for declarations of commitment for the residence of foreigners: They are only available from the local immigration authorities and must be completed and signed on site; they are not issued to the signatory to take away. For further information, please contact the responsible foreigners authority.

The certification note contains:

• Confirmation that the signature is genuine
• Exact name of the person whose signature is being notarized
• Indication of whether the official responsible for the certification has ascertained the identity of this person and whether the signature was executed or recognized in his/her presence
• Indication that the certification is only intended for submission to the specified authority or body
• Place and date of notarization
• Signature of the official responsible for the certification and
• Official seal