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The Profession of Notary
This public officer, appointed by the Minister of Justice, is a legal professional acting on behalf of the State. The notary supports clients throughout their lives. Their main role is to ensure that important documents, such as wills or property sale agreements for a house or flat, accurately reflect the intentions of the parties involved. They have the unique authority to make these documents official and incontestable.
The notary authenticates deeds: by affixing their seal and signature, they officially record the intentions expressed by the signatories. They personally guarantee the content and the date of the deed. Such a deed then carries the same legal force as a final court judgment.
The notary is also an independent professional and a business owner responsible for maintaining financial stability. They are bound by a duty to advise their clients.
The Notary’s Duties
The notary advises clients on the legal aspects of their decisions. They personally guarantee the content of the deed they draft and authenticate.
Skills and Qualities of a Notary
- Legal expertise
- Client relations, listening and advisory skills
- Drafting ability
- Rigour and organisational skills
- Business management (including financial and human resources)
- Management and leadership
The Salaried Notary
The salaried notary performs the same functions as an independent notary, but holds the status of an employee within the notarial office.
The Assistant Notary
A qualified notary, they work alongside the notary at every key stage in the lives of individuals and businesses. They liaise with clients on the matters entrusted to them. As a senior member of the office, they are most often responsible for a department or a team of clerks.
They oversee the preparation of deeds and are specialists in a particular area of law, such as taxation, corporate law, or wealth management.
Find out more about the notary’s role, areas of practice, and fees.
Training to Become a Notary
Professional Route
The trainee notary, who holds a Master’s degree in Law (Master 2), must complete an initial training module (one month full-time) at one of the 17 training centres grouped under the National Institute for Notarial Training (INFN). They must also complete five technical modules (a 30-month paid work placement within a notarial office) and prepare a placement report.
Once the Notary Diploma has been obtained, the assistant notary may apply for appointment by the Minister of Justice.
University Route
A holder of a Master 1 in Law continues their studies at the Faculty of Law to obtain a Master 2 in Law with a specialisation in Notarial Law.
A placement of at least one month is included in the Master’s programme.
The trainee notary, holding a Master 2 in Notarial Law, must complete a paid placement within a notarial office, alternating with four semesters of academic training at a university in partnership with the INFN, and prepare a placement report.
Once the Higher Diploma in Notarial Studies (DSN) has been obtained, the assistant notary may apply for appointment by the Minister of Justice.
Internal Route
This route to becoming a notary is open to individuals who have worked for more than nine years in a notarial office (or a notarial organisation), including six years after obtaining the Diplôme de 1er clerc or a diploma from one of the 17 INFN training centres.
However, only seven years’ experience in the notarial profession, including four years after obtaining the Diplôme de 1er clerc or the IMN diploma, is required for notarial employees who hold a law degree, the Diplôme de 1er clerc, or an INFN diploma and wish to take this route.
Applications are submitted by petition to the Minister of Justice.
Candidates must pass the Technical Knowledge Assessment Examination (ECCT), which immediately grants them the Certificate of Competence for Notarial Functions.