Unlawful use of the title 'notary' is not permitted

The title of notary is protected and therefore may not be used by just anyone. The Royal Netherlands Notary Association (KNB) found that a deposed notary had indeed presented himself as such and filed a preliminary injunction. The court ruled that this was not permitted.

Former civil-law notary Greving used the title "international notary." This, despite being removed from office by the disciplinary court in 2014 and therefore no longer being a civil-law notary. The Royal Netherlands Notary Association (KNB) ordered him to cease using the title of civil-law notary and to immediately remove all documents in which he presented himself as such from legal transactions. He ignored this order, after which the KNB appealed to the court for summary proceedings.

Penalty payment
The court ruled (pdf) on July 15 that Greving may no longer present himself as an "international notary" or any other capacity containing the term "notary." He must also retract all documents in which he presented himself as an "international notary." If he fails to meet the court's requirements, he must pay a penalty of €1,000 per violation.

Warning
It is important that notarial services are provided by a civil-law notary. The Royal Netherlands Notary Association (KNB) therefore warns to be very careful if someone, as in this case, presents themselves as a (international) civil-law notary. Such individuals do not have the authority of a civil-law notary, and documents issued by them are worthless: they lack any form of authenticity. Are you unsure whether someone is a civil-law notary? Then consult the Register of Civil-Law Notaries . This register will show you whether someone is indeed a civil-law notary.