Retired or unavailable notary: find a deed in the notarial records
Identify the authorized holder of the notarial records, then request an authentic copy of the deed or minute you need.
The notary who signed the deed may no longer hold the records. First confirm who is currently authorized to issue a copy.
Gather useful clues
Write down the notary’s full name, the approximate date, the type of deed, the parties’ names, the address or lot number and, if available, the minute number. An old invoice or uncertified copy can speed up the search.
Find the current record holder
Use the Chambre des notaires’ “Find a notary” service. The record confirms the notary’s status and, when that person no longer practises, can identify the professional or organization authorized to hold the notarial records.
Request the right kind of copy
Contact the holder directly. State whether you need a simple or authentic copy, why you need it and your connection to the deed. Identification and proof of interest or authority may be required; ask about the fee and expected delay before paying.
If the search fails
Try a wider date range and name variants, confirm that the document was actually notarized and contact the Chambre des notaires. For a real-estate deed, the Land Register index may provide references, but it does not replace the copy held in the notarial records.
Find a notary — Chambre des notaires