You become a notary by appointment by royal decree. To be eligible for appointment, you must meet several conditions. These conditions are described in the Notary Act. The most important conditions are that:

• The person concerned is Dutch
• He has successfully completed the notarial examinations prescribed by law
• The person concerned has subsequently gained at least six years of practical experience as a candidate civil-law notary at one or more civil-law notary offices
• The candidate notary has successfully completed the Notarial Professional Training exams; and
• The person concerned is in possession of a business plan that meets the requirements set for this purpose

After being appointed by royal decree, the notary must take a three-part oath, of which the most important part for the public is the professional oath. In it, the notary swears or promises that he:

• Will perform the duties accepted by him honestly, conscientiously and impartially
• Will comply with the laws, regulations and ordinances relating to the notary's office
• Will maintain confidentiality with regard to everything of which he becomes aware through his office
• By taking the oath, the notary is not only authorized but also obliged to provide his services to the public.