Online notarization in Abu Dhabi runs through the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD): you log in with UAE Pass, upload a signed form and your documents, and usually meet the notary by video before the attested document reaches you digitally. For many everyday documents, you never visit a building.
Send a photo on WhatsApp and we’ll confirm the requirements and quote in writing before we start.
Send a photo on WhatsAppThat covers the common situation. You need a power of attorney for your car or your company, you have a form from a bank or a landlord, and you’re wondering whether you have to take half a day off. Often you don’t. If you’d rather hand the drafting and the portal work to someone else, our notary services in Abu Dhabi page explains how we prepare the document and arrange the appointment.
One thing to clear up early: we are not a notary, and neither is a typing shop. The notary is the person at ADJD or a licensed private notary office who attests your document. What follows is the route as ADJD describes it on its own pages and in its notary guidance manual, read today. Forms and steps do change, so check the live ADJD page before you file.
What you need before you start
ADJD’s manual lists two basics for a standard service such as a general power of attorney: your Emirates ID card and the document to be attested. Everything else depends on the transaction.
- A UAE Pass account. You log in with it, and your basic details are imported from your digital identity. They can’t be edited on the ADJD site, so fix any mistake in your digital ID first.
- The right form. ADJD publishes transaction forms, including power of attorney templates for commercial licences, shares, cars and property.
- Details of every party. Names and ID data must match their personal documents exactly.
- Supporting papers. For example a trade licence for a company matter, or a vehicle or property document when the POA is limited to one.
- The Webex app on your phone, because ADJD normally holds the video meeting there.
The online steps, in order
- Pick the transaction form on the ADJD website and download it.
- Fill in the parties and, for a POA, the end date.
- Print and sign. On a POA the principal signs. If the POA includes signature authentication, the agent signs too.
- Scan the signed pages into one clear PDF.
- Log in with UAE Pass and open the service in ADJD’s online notary portal.
- Choose the transaction type, set the validity and enter the parties. Your own data comes from your digital ID.
- Attach the documents, review everything and submit.
- Once the application is approved, pay the prescribed fee.
- Book an appointment with the notary. ADJD says this must be booked in advance.
- Join the video meeting, then receive the digitally attested document.
The easy mistakes sit at steps 3 and 4: an unsigned page, a blurry scan, or a name spelled differently from the passport. Check those twice before you upload.
Do you always need the video meeting?
Not always. ADJD says some transactions submitted through a UAE Pass account can be finished without an interview, depending on the type of transaction and your identity verification level. You can’t choose this yourself, so plan for a meeting and treat skipping it as a bonus.
If your case does need you in person, ADJD staff contact you to arrange it. That can happen, so if you’re about to travel, don’t leave the application to your last day in the country.
How you receive the finished document
After the interview, ADJD issues a digitally certified version. You can download it from the website or the smart app, or get a link by SMS. There’s no paper to collect in the normal online flow. If the receiving party insists on a printed copy, ask them what they will accept before you start, not after. Our guide on the difference between notarization and attestation helps if they’ve also asked for a further stamp.
Power of attorney rules that catch people out
Most people arrive at ADJD’s portal for a POA, and three points from the manual matter most:
- Three-year limit. The maximum validity of a general POA is 3 calendar years after notarisation, and the end date you put on the form must fit inside that.
- Say exactly what the agent may do. Any act that transfers ownership or involves a mortgage must be defined in the POA, including the type and location of that act. “Handle all my affairs” won’t carry a property sale.
- Age and capacity. ADJD treats applicants as having legal capacity for civil matters after 21 lunar years, and for commercial matters after 18 calendar years.
Our power of attorney service page covers drafting if your POA is anything beyond a standard template.
Arabic, English and foreign documents
| Your document | What ADJD asks for |
|---|---|
| Arabic | Standard process |
| Non-Arabic, standard ADJD channel | Translation by a certified translator, with the translator’s valid licence card attached |
| English, through the English Notary Services Bureau | Accepted without Arabic translation |
| Issued outside the UAE | Attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs first |
The English bureau is worth a look if you’re an expat or an international company. It handles contracts and declarations, settlement agreements, all types of POA, signature authentication and company documents such as board resolutions and minutes. Whether an English document works at the other end is a separate question, though. A UAE authority may still want Arabic, so ask whoever will receive it. When you need one, our legal translation in Abu Dhabi team can help.
ADJD or a private notary?
ADJD publishes a list of private and governmental notary offices across Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, with each office’s hours, phone number and map link. A private office suits you if you want to sit across a desk from someone or you’re not comfortable with the portal. Hours differ by office, so check the list and call first. For the wider picture across the emirates, see notary public locations and timings in the UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I notarize a document in Abu Dhabi without going to court?
Yes, for many documents. ADJD’s service is usually completed remotely: you apply online with UAE Pass, meet the notary by video on Webex and receive the document digitally. If your transaction needs physical attendance, ADJD staff will contact you to arrange it.
Do I need UAE Pass for ADJD online notary services?
Yes, in practice. ADJD’s own application guide tells you to log in with UAE Pass, and your basic data is pulled from your digital identity account. If you don’t have one, set it up before you start, or use a notary office in person instead.
How long is a power of attorney valid in Abu Dhabi?
ADJD’s manual gives a maximum of 3 calendar years after notarisation for a general POA. You set the end date on the form, and it can’t go past that limit. If the POA is still needed after it ends, you apply for a new one.
Can a document in English be notarized in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. ADJD’s English Notary Services Bureau accepts English documents without Arabic translation. Through the standard channel, a non-Arabic document should be translated by a certified translator. Either way, check what the receiving party will accept before you file.
What happens if a document was issued outside the UAE?
ADJD’s manual says any document issued outside the country must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If it isn’t in Arabic, it also needs a certified translation, unless you’re using the English bureau. Sort this out before you apply, because it’s the step that takes planning.
Can I notarize a document in Abu Dhabi without going to court?
Yes, for many documents. ADJD’s service is usually completed remotely: you apply online with UAE Pass, meet the notary by video on Webex and receive the document digitally. If your transaction needs physical attendance, ADJD staff will contact you to arrange it.
Do I need UAE Pass for ADJD online notary services?
Yes, in practice. ADJD’s own application guide tells you to log in with UAE Pass, and your basic data is pulled from your digital identity account. If you don’t have one, set it up before you start, or use a notary office in person instead.
How long is a power of attorney valid in Abu Dhabi?
ADJD’s manual gives a maximum of 3 calendar years after notarisation for a general POA. You set the end date on the form, and it can’t go past that limit. If the POA is still needed after it ends, you apply for a new one.
Can a document in English be notarized in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. ADJD’s English Notary Services Bureau accepts English documents without Arabic translation. Through the standard channel, a non-Arabic document should be translated by a certified translator. Either way, check what the receiving party will accept before you file.
What happens if a document was issued outside the UAE?
ADJD’s manual says any document issued outside the country must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. If it isn’t in Arabic, it also needs a certified translation, unless you’re using the English bureau. Sort this out before you apply, because it’s the step that takes planning.
Where Wordcraft Comes In
We draft the POA, declaration or company document, translate it where needed, and arrange the notarization with ADJD or a licensed private notary. You check the draft and attend the meeting; we handle the paperwork around it. Our office is at Al Ghaith Tower on Hamdan Street, and the Abu Dhabi branch page has directions. We offer free pickup and delivery of documents in Abu Dhabi. Tell us your deadline and we’ll confirm what’s possible before we start. Government fees are payable at cost, and we confirm the exact fee and our service charge in writing before any work begins. WhatsApp +971 56 681 3996 or call toll-free 800 9673.
Official sources read 4 Nov 2026: ADJD FAQs · ADJD English Notary Services Bureau · ADJD private and governmental notary offices.