The Dutch notary who issued my document
has retired.
Need a fresh copy, extract or apostille for a Dutch notarial document, but the original notary has retired or stopped practising? The deed has not disappeared. Apostille Assist helps identify the protocol successor and coordinate the agreed copy, apostille, translation and delivery route.
Choose the right level of support
Use apostille submission when a suitable official notarial copy is already available and only the confirmed court step remains. Choose document coordination when the successor must be identified, a new copy requested or the accepted document form is unclear.
Apostille Submission
For an available and suitable official Dutch notarial document when only apostille submission remains.
- Submission for a Dutch apostille
- For a notarial document already suitable for the confirmed route
- WhatsApp progress updates
Document Coordination
For a route involving the former notary, protocol successor, official copy, authorisation, translation or delivery.
- Identification of the current protocol holder
- Coordination of the agreed official-copy and apostille route
- External notarial and delivery costs confirmed in advance
The notarial deed moves to a successor
When a Dutch notary stops practising, the notarial protocol and its deeds are transferred to another notary.
Request the version the recipient accepts
A foreign recipient may distinguish between an official copy, extract and certified copy.
From retired notary to an official document for abroad
Start with the former notary and deed details before requesting or apostilling a copy.
Identify the deed
Provide the former notary, office location, deed date, parties and deed type.
Find the successor
Locate the notary who now holds the original protocol and file.
Request the correct copy
Confirm entitlement and obtain the official version accepted abroad.
Formalise and deliver
Coordinate apostille, translation and tracked shipping as agreed.
The minute remains in the notarial protocol. For external use, the current protocol holder can determine which official copy or extract may be issued and who is entitled to receive it.
Why use Apostille Assist?
Successor identified
The former notary’s details are matched to the current protocol holder.
Correct copy requested
The requested version is aligned with the foreign recipient’s wording.
One Dutch-side route
Notarial request, apostille and international delivery are coordinated in order.
Related document guidance
Use these existing pages when the request involves a broader or more specific Dutch document route.
Frequently asked questions
What happens to a Dutch deed when the notary retires?
The notarial protocol, including the deeds, is transferred to another notary. The successor becomes the contact for documents retained in that protocol.
How can I find the successor notary?
The Notaris.nl successor archive can be searched using the former notary’s surname, office location and deed date.
Can the successor issue a new official copy?
Often the protocol holder can issue an official copy or extract, subject to the document, entitlement, identity, authorisation and applicable notarial requirements.
Can I take the original notarial deed abroad?
The signed notarial minute normally remains in the protocol. The foreign recipient usually receives an issued official copy, extract or other accepted notarial version.
Can a copy from the retired notary still receive an apostille?
Possibly, if it is an official document with a signature that the court can authenticate. If suitability is uncertain, a fresh version from the current protocol holder may be needed.
Are the successor notary’s fees included in Document Coordination?
No. The fixed starting fee covers the agreed coordination scope. Notarial copy, archive, translation, government and delivery costs are confirmed separately.
Has the notary who issued your document retired?
Share the former notary’s name, office location, deed date and foreign instruction so the successor and correct document route can be reviewed.
