The Office of the Government Notary takes care of the preparation and organization of the examination of the warrants of a notary which takes place every year and the subsequent procedures that lead to the granting of the warrants. The Principal Government Notary is also a member of the Board of Examiners. The Notarial Warrant Exam is held in March of every year in terms of the Notarial Profession and Notarial Archives Act (Chapter 55 of the Laws of Malta). It consists of two written papers and an oral examination which is held within two months from the date of the last written examination. Each application to sit for the notarial warrant examination must include:
- A copy of the Identity Card;
- A copy of the birth certificate;
- A police conduct certificate;
- A notarized copy of the Degree of Doctor of Laws (LL.D.) obtained in accordance with the provisions of the Statute, Regulations and Bye-Laws of the University of Malta, or such other qualification at masters level as the Minister may from time to time prescribe (after consultation with the Senate of the University of Malta), or a comparable degree from such other competent authority in accordance with the principles of mutual recognition of qualifications after having read law in Malta or in a Member State in line with Article 6 (1)(c) of Cap. 55;
- The prospective candidate is required to complete the period of practice before the date of the exam as provided for in Article 6 (1)(d) of Cap. 55 55. In this regard candidates are to submit an acknowledgement from the Notarial Council as well as a letter from the notary confirming the requisite years of practice.
Applications from prospective candidates who wish to sit for this examination, which must consist of a cover letter and the aforementioned documents, must be addressed to the Minister responsible for notarial matters and must be sent to the Principal Government Notary, 2/3. Mikiel Anton Vassalli Street, Valletta VLT 1310, by not later than the 31st January.