Notary office hours are essential information for anyone who needs to complete official procedures on time. Across Turkey, notaries perform legal services such as document certification, powers of attorney, sales approvals and signature circulars within specific time windows. Therefore, notaries’ opening and closing hours, lunch breaks, weekend schedules and public holiday practices directly affect citizens’ planning.
Common search queries include “what time do notaries open”, “duty notary hours” and “are notaries open on Saturday”. This detailed guide provides up-to-date information for 2025 on weekday and weekend hours, regional differences, the e-appointment system, notary fee ranges and timing tips for specific transactions.
What Is a Notary and What Services Do They Provide?
A notary is a public officer who records legal acts, gives official validity to documents and provides trust between parties. Notaries handle services such as document certification, issuing powers of attorney, contract approvals, signature declarations, movable and immovable property sales approvals, inheritance procedures, sworn translation certification and e-detection. Because most notary tasks must be completed during official working hours, knowing notary working hours helps avoid wasted time and unnecessary trips.
Notary Working Hours Across Turkey
Weekday Notary Hours
Generally, notary offices in Turkey operate on weekdays from 09:00 to 17:00. Some offices open as early as 08:30 and close at 17:30. These differences depend on local demand and notary chamber decisions. For the most accurate information, always confirm by phone with the specific notary office where you will conduct your transaction.
Tip: Peak hours at notary offices are usually 09:30–11:00 and 16:00–17:00. To complete transactions faster, consider visiting between 11:00 and 13:00.
Lunch Breaks and Daily Schedule
Many notary offices close for lunch between 12:30 and 13:30. In some areas the lunch break is observed from 12:00 to 13:00. During this time most notaries are closed, although in larger cities there may be rotating staff who remain available.
Weekend and Duty Notary Hours
Weekend service is provided through a duty notary system.
- Saturday: 09:00 – 16:00
- Sunday: 10:00 – 14:00
- Duty notary lists and current working hours can be checked through official notary union services and portals.
Public Holidays and Festival Days
Notary offices are generally closed on national and religious holidays. In some larger provinces, however, a duty notary may be assigned for urgent transactions such as vehicle sales. If you need notary services during a holiday, always verify availability in advance.
Regional Differences by City and District
Notary working hours can vary slightly between cities. Tourist areas and peak holiday seasons may cause temporary adjustments to schedules.
| City | Opening | Closing | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| İstanbul | 09:00 | 17:00 | High demand—appointment recommended. |
| Ankara | 09:00 | 17:00 | Typical lunch break 12:30–13:30. |
| İzmir | 09:00 | 17:00 | Extended hours may apply in summer. |
| Antalya | 08:30 | 17:30 | High activity during tourist season. |
| Bursa | 09:00 | 17:00 | Standard schedule. |
Timing Tips for Common Notary Transactions
| Transaction Type | Average Duration | Recommended Time |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing a power of attorney | 10–20 min | At start of business hours |
| Vehicle sale / transfer | 20–30 min | Early morning |
| Inheritance / will | 30–60 min | By appointment, early morning |
| Signature certification | 5–10 min | Midday |
| Translation certification | 10–15 min | Afternoon |
Advice: Avoid visiting a notary after 16:00 for complex transactions such as vehicle sales, powers of attorney or inheritance matters; system shutdowns often begin as closing time approaches.
Online Inquiry and E-Appointment Systems
- Official notary union services provide a “duty notary finder” to view open offices in real time.
- Government e-services allow searching notary information by city, district or notary name.
- Some notary offices use an e-appointment system, which helps you avoid waiting. Arriving 15 minutes early for a scheduled appointment speeds up the process.
Notary Fee Schedule for 2025
Notary fees are updated annually in the Official Tariff Notice published by the Ministry of Justice. Estimated fee ranges for 2025:
| Service | Fee (₺) | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Simple power of attorney | 250–400 ₺ | Estimated range |
| Vehicle sale / transfer | 900–1,200 ₺ | Varies by transaction |
| Inheritance document | 700–900 ₺ | Varies by complexity |
| Signature certification | 150–250 ₺ | Fixed fee range |
| Translation approval | 200–300 ₺ | Includes sworn translator fee |
Quick Checklist for Timing Your Visit
- Check notary hours via official union services or government e-services.
- Note the lunch break schedule.
- If required, book an appointment in advance.
- Prepare all documents completely before you go.
- Prefer early morning hours for time-consuming transactions.
- Avoid peak days such as Monday and Friday when possible.
As of 2025, the standard weekday notary hours are 09:00–17:00, and duty notaries provide weekend service generally around 09:00–16:00. Considering lunch breaks, public holidays, regional variations and appointment systems, checking availability online before your visit is the best approach. Proper timing minimizes both waiting time and transaction delays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do notaries work on weekends?
Yes. Duty notary arrangements provide service on Saturdays and Sundays at specific hours.
Is there a lunch break?
Yes. Most notary offices close between 12:30 and 13:30 for lunch.
Are notaries open on public holidays?
No—generally they are closed, though some provinces may assign duty notaries for urgent needs.
What time do notaries open?
Typically they open at 09:00; in some locations 08:30 is possible.
What is the best time for vehicle transfer?
Starting the process early in the morning is recommended.
Is e-appointment mandatory?
It is not mandatory at every notary, but it is recommended when available.
What are typical Saturday hours?
Generally 09:00–16:00.
Where are duty notary lists published?
Duty notary lists are published on official notary union and government service platforms.
What time do notaries close on weekdays?
Usually 17:00; some offices may close at 17:30.
How are notary fees determined?
Official tariffs are set by the Ministry of Justice and published by notary authorities and unions.