A certification of signature attests to the sincerity and veracity of the signature on a document or private deed (a document set up by a private individual such as an affidavit).

The purpose of this procedure is to attest that the signature is both authentic and conclusive, and that it was in fact appended by the person in question.

Who is concerned

Each person of legal age can request a certification of their signature.

Costs

Whenever the certification is carried out by a communal administration, a tax will be charged at the time of certification. This chancellery tax must be paid to the communal administration.

How to proceed

Filing an application

In order to have their signature certified on a document or private deed (certification of the authenticity of the appended signatures), the person concerned has to:

• appear in person at:
  • the communal administration of the place of residence; or
  • a the office of a notary; or
  • the embassy or consulate;
• provide proof of their identity;
• sign the document(s) in question in the presence of the communal administration employee authorised to authenticate signatures.

Documents signed in advance will not be accepted.

Persons who are unable to sign their name may sign the document by writing one or more "X" marks on the document. For illiterate persons, the communal administration employee may offer to read out aloud the contents of the document(s) to be signed by making a mark by hand on the document (Handzeichen).

Supporting documents

The certification of signatures (signature authentication) requires the presentation of a valid identity document (ID card or passport).

Who to contact