AI as a unblocker for the notary
The Dutch notarial profession is under significant pressure. The number of notarial deeds executed is reaching record highs, while the total number of notaries has been declining for years. Between 2016 and 2026, the number of notaries fell from 1,283 to around 1,181, while more than two million deeds were executed last year – a historic record. Some notaries even told the NOS news that they won't be able to schedule an appointment with a client for another five months. This combination of increased workload and fewer staff is resulting in longer waiting times, overburdening existing staff, and jeopardizing the quality of service.
The embrace of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) seems to be a godsend, especially for the notary profession. At the same time, the notary profession is one of the most values-driven legal professions, with statutory tasks that cannot be automated. Executing authentic deeds requires the intervention of a public official. The notary must personally determine whether the parties are forming their intentions freely and consciously, carefully weigh the interests involved, and assess whether a legal act is not contrary to law, public order, or morality. Furthermore, the gatekeeper role under the Wwft remains a personal responsibility, as do professional ethics and disciplinary liability. Automation can support preparation and administration, but cannot legally replace these core responsibilities. Nevertheless, AI will significantly change the notary profession in the coming years in the following five areas.
The second change lies in quality control and risk management. AI is becoming increasingly adept at identifying inconsistencies, missing clauses, and deviations from standard models. By continuously reviewing and checking, AI acts as a second pair of eyes that never tires. This strengthens internal quality assurance and reduces the risk of costly errors. It's crucial that these systems are deployed within secure, sovereign environments that meet strict confidentiality and professional secrecy requirements.
The fourth change concerns the professional field itself. AI literacy will become a core competency. Civil-law notaries and staff must learn to understand what AI can and cannot do, how output should be assessed, and where legal responsibility always remains human. This requires training, new working arrangements, and a culture in which technology is used critically but constructively. Firms that invest in this not only build a technological advantage but also trust with clients and regulators.
These five changes are balanced by a fundamental constant: the notary remains an independent and impartial legal officer responsible for the content and legal validity of deeds. AI can support, accelerate, and identify, but not decide. The legal role, personal accountability, and the trust that society places in the notary profession remain firmly rooted in human values. Those who succeed in connecting AI to the traditional values of the profession are transforming a notary profession that is faster, smarter, and future-proof, without losing its soul.
This article previously appeared on dutchcowboys: https://www.dutchcowboys.nl/online/ai-als-ontstopper-voor-het-notariaat
The embrace of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) seems to be a godsend, especially for the notary profession. At the same time, the notary profession is one of the most values-driven legal professions, with statutory tasks that cannot be automated. Executing authentic deeds requires the intervention of a public official. The notary must personally determine whether the parties are forming their intentions freely and consciously, carefully weigh the interests involved, and assess whether a legal act is not contrary to law, public order, or morality. Furthermore, the gatekeeper role under the Wwft remains a personal responsibility, as do professional ethics and disciplinary liability. Automation can support preparation and administration, but cannot legally replace these core responsibilities. Nevertheless, AI will significantly change the notary profession in the coming years in the following five areas.
Efficiency
The most immediate change is the extensive automation of routine work. AI systems take over preparatory tasks such as analyzing files, drafting deeds, summarizing legal information, and searching through large volumes of documents. Tasks that previously took considerable time for civil-law notaries and junior civil-law notaries are now performed in minutes. This leads to shorter turnaround times, a lower chance of errors, and significantly higher productivity. In a sector that has struggled for years with high workloads and staff shortages, this is not a luxury but a necessity.The second change lies in quality control and risk management. AI is becoming increasingly adept at identifying inconsistencies, missing clauses, and deviations from standard models. By continuously reviewing and checking, AI acts as a second pair of eyes that never tires. This strengthens internal quality assurance and reduces the risk of costly errors. It's crucial that these systems are deployed within secure, sovereign environments that meet strict confidentiality and professional secrecy requirements.
More human
The third change is paradoxical yet essential: the notary profession is becoming more human. Because AI takes over a large portion of the preparatory and administrative work, there's room for personal contact, explanation, and customized solutions. The notary's role is shifting further towards that of advisor and coordinator of complex legal decisions. Clients expect not only speed, but above all, clarity and certainty during major life events such as a home purchase, business transfer, or inheritance. AI can provide information, but it cannot weigh interests or bridge moral and legal tensions.The fourth change concerns the professional field itself. AI literacy will become a core competency. Civil-law notaries and staff must learn to understand what AI can and cannot do, how output should be assessed, and where legal responsibility always remains human. This requires training, new working arrangements, and a culture in which technology is used critically but constructively. Firms that invest in this not only build a technological advantage but also trust with clients and regulators.
To trust
The fifth change is occurring at the system level and touches on digital trust. AI is forcing notaries to consider data security, transparency, and control more explicitly. Legislation and oversight will be further tightened in the coming years, making the responsible use of AI not a choice but a prerequisite. The notary profession can serve as an example in this regard by demonstrating how technological innovation can go hand in hand with legal certainty and public trust.These five changes are balanced by a fundamental constant: the notary remains an independent and impartial legal officer responsible for the content and legal validity of deeds. AI can support, accelerate, and identify, but not decide. The legal role, personal accountability, and the trust that society places in the notary profession remain firmly rooted in human values. Those who succeed in connecting AI to the traditional values of the profession are transforming a notary profession that is faster, smarter, and future-proof, without losing its soul.
This article previously appeared on dutchcowboys: https://www.dutchcowboys.nl/online/ai-als-ontstopper-voor-het-notariaat
Services
See also
Why MAES notaries
We guide our clients through the moments that truly matter in life. Whether for business or pleasure. We offer peace of mind, reliability, and security. Impeccable, dedicated, and honest.
Corporate Social Responsibility
We recognize the responsibility we bear for our stakeholders: our customers, our employees, suppliers, the government, and the society we are part of. This applies to both our professional and social spheres. Our social responsibility focuses on three themes: governance , a sustainable living environment, and social engagement. We hope to make an impact through these initiatives.