Bring two valid official photo identity documents, at least one being an identity card or passport. Under professional rules, one is normally insufficient. If you have no second physical document, alternatives include eID, qualified electronic identification or two identity witnesses. A representative also needs a power of attorney bearing an officially certified signature; authorisation does not replace that certification.
The starting point is two valid official photo identity documents, at least one of which must be an identity card or passport. One document is normally insufficient. Since incorporation documents and ownership interest transfer agreements have also required lawyer authorisation or a notarial deed from 17 August 2026, many more clients now encounter this requirement.
Why the lawyer checks identity so strictly
Establishing the parties’ identity is part of authorisation under Section 1a of Act No. 586/2003 Coll. on the Legal Profession. It is a statutory requirement, rather than an extra formality. The basic identification rule states:
If the lawyer does not know the parties or their representatives, they must prove their identity with a valid identity document, or their identity must be confirmed by two identity witnesses.
— Section 1b(1) of Act No. 586/2003 Coll. (unofficial English translation)
The lawyer bears strict responsibility: if actual identity cannot be established and the service is not refused, the lawyer cannot escape liability for damage caused by identity misuse (Section 1b(3)). Any doubt therefore requires further inquiry and, in an extreme case, refusal to authorise.
Two documents and permitted alternatives
Slovak Bar Presidium Resolution No. 20/6/2026 sets the details. For in-person checks, identity is established using at least two valid official identity documents showing the person’s face, including an identity card or passport. In practice, this usually means an identity card and passport; another official photo document can serve as the second. An expired or damaged document cannot be treated as reliable evidence.
If you do not have two physical documents, the resolution permits alternatives: an electronic identity card or eDoklady read using a qualified technical device, remote qualified electronic identification, two identity witnesses, or another method providing equivalent or greater certainty that the lawyer records in detail. The lawyer cannot simply waive the second document; an alternative must be chosen and documented.
Representatives, legal entities and foreign nationals
Where an authorised representative acts for a party, the lawyer checks both identity and authority. Authorisation cannot replace certification of the signature on the power of attorney, so bring it with the principal’s signature officially certified. For foreign nationals, a passport or foreign identity document is usually the starting point. Inconsistent details or an unreliable document require further inquiry. For a legal entity, the lawyer also examines ownership and beneficial ownership; we explain why in why a lawyer checks beneficial ownership.
The authorisation endorsement and register
The lawyer confirms authorisation through an endorsement attached to the agreement. It contains a declaration of compliance with Section 1a, the number of sheets, place and date of issue, the lawyer’s name, surname and signature, and stamp (Section 1ab of Act No. 586/2003 Coll.). Under Presidium Resolution No. 20/6/2026, an endorsement generated by the Bar’s application also carries an authorisation identifier. The authorised agreement is not kept only by the lawyer:
The lawyer shall ensure that the authorised agreement or document is deposited electronically in the authorisation register on the day of authorisation.
— Section 1ac(2) of Act No. 586/2003 Coll. (unofficial English translation)
The Slovak Bar Association maintains the non-public central register. This gives you certainty that the authorisation is recorded and can be proved later.
How we can help
We authorise agreements directly at our office through authorisation of agreements by a lawyer. Where authorisation is unnecessary, we arrange signature certification. The most common authorised corporate transaction is covered by ownership interest transfers.
Before the meeting, we send a tailored document list. Contact us and tell us who will sign.
This answer provides general information on the law as at 29 August 2026. It does not constitute legal services or replace an assessment of an individual case. The details of your situation may differ. Book a consultation to discuss them.
