Procedure to Apply as a Notary in West Bengal

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Eligibility Criteria

• Must be an advocate with at least 10 years of practice in the High Court or subordinate courts.

• Should be a person of good character and reputation.

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Step 1: Prepare Your Application

• Obtain the prescribed application form (available from the Law Department, Government of West Bengal or online if available).

• Fill out the form with accurate personal, professional, and contact details.

• Attach supporting documents:

  • Proof of Advocate enrollment and experience (10 years minimum).

  • Character certificate or references.

  • Recent passport-sized photographs.

  • Proof of residence.

  • Copies of identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, passport, etc.).

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Step 2: Submit the Application to the State Government

• Submit the completed application and documents to the Law Department of the Government of West Bengal or the designated State Authority for notary appointments.

• Pay the applicable application fee, if any (check current state norms).

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Step 3: Verification by the State Government

• The State Government will verify the applicant’s credentials, background, and professional record.

• May seek reports from the Bar Council of West Bengal or local courts.

• This step includes checking for any disciplinary actions or complaints.

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Step 4: Recommendation by the State Government

• Upon successful verification, the State Government prepares a recommendation list of eligible candidates.

• The list is forwarded to the Central Government (Ministry of Law and Justice) for appointment.

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Step 5: Appointment by the Central Government

• The Central Government reviews the recommendations.

• Issues a certificate of appointment to the selected candidates under Section 4 of the Notaries Act, 1952.

• The certificate authorizes the advocate to act as a notary within West Bengal.

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Step 6: Enrollment and Registration

• After appointment, the notary must:

  • Enroll their name in the Roll of Notaries maintained by the State Government.

  • Obtain the official Notary seal and stamp from the authorized office.

  • Set up an official place of practice in West Bengal.

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Step 7: Commence Practice

• Maintain an official Register of Notarial Acts at your office.

• Follow all statutory duties and fee guidelines prescribed by the Notaries Act and Rules.

• Renew certificates and licenses as per applicable rules (generally appointment is lifelong but compliance with regulations is mandatory).

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Additional Tips

• Keep track of notifications from the Law Department of West Bengal for any changes in procedure.

• Some States hold interviews or vetting committees; confirm if applicable in West Bengal.

• Network with senior notaries and Bar Council members for guidance.