How to check the authenticity of a Russian notarized document by means of the QR-code

Since December 29, 2020 most of the notarized documents in Russia executed in paper form have a special machine-readable mark, namely a QR-code, which is placed in the right bottom corner of the document.

This optical mark allows the user to independently verify the authenticity of different documents: powers of attorney, last will deeds, marriage contracts and inheritance contracts, alimony agreements, spouses’ agreements for voluntary conveyance of property, investment partnership agreements, annuity contracts, purchase and sale contracts, minutes (resolutions) regarding withdrawal of a participant from the limited liability company, claims for acquisition of the share in the authorized capital and many other documents.

There are two methods which allow you to make sure that the document is not a forged paper.

1. With the help of the mobile phone camera

Anyone who has a scanning device, for example, a smartphone equipped with the optical mark (QR-code) reader, can use this method of verification.

In order to perform your check, you need to focus the mobile phone camera on the QR-code. After automated scanning of the code, you will see a link on the screen with the help of which you will go to the web page showing the result of the check.

In doing so, you should make sure that the address of the opened web page begins from letters ФНП.РФ.

2. On the website of the Federal Notarial Chamber

Referring to the link https://notariat.ru/ru-ru/qr/ you will get access to the purposely designed service “Safe verification of the QR-code affixed to the notarized document”.

You will have to allow the service to get access to the camera of your mobile device (the computer or smartphone) and to scan the mark with the help of it.

QR-code is used for data encryption, including main details of the document such as data on applicants and their representatives, information on the date of provision, registration number and type of notarial action, as well as the surname, name and patronymic and notarial district of the notary public.

The evidence of successful verification will include confirmation of registration of the document bearing this code in the Unified Information System of Notaries and information contained in the code marking regarding the notarized document.

Application of the QR-code is relevant only to documents executed in paper form. Electronic notarized documents do not require placement of the machine-readable optical mark because these documents are protected by the enhanced encrypted and qualified electronic signature of the notary public.

Please do not hesitate to contact Alba Translating Company, if you experience any difficulties in verifying the authenticity of Russian notarized documents.