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The Department of Legal Affairs under the Ministry of Law and Justice has notified the Notaries (Amendment) Rules, 2025, raising the limit on the number of notaries in four states. Issued under Section 15 of the Notaries Act, 1952, the notification was published as G.S.R. 763(E) on October 17, 2025, and took effect immediately upon its release in the Official Gazette.

Under the revised provisions, Gujarat’s limit has been raised from 2,900 to 6,000, Tamil Nadu from 2,500 to 3,500, Rajasthan from 2,000 to 3,000, and Nagaland from 200 to 400. The decision reflects the Centre’s effort to strengthen legal infrastructure in states where the demand for notarial services has grown steadily in recent years.

The Ministry said the decision followed representations received from the respective State Governments. The increase takes into account the growth in population, creation of new districts and tehsils, and the rising need for notarial certification in administrative and legal processes.

"This step has been taken in response to requests received from the respective State Governments, recognising the growth in population, number of districts/tehsils/talukas, and the corresponding demand for notary services," the release stated. The notification was signed by Ashutosh Mishra, Additional Secretary in the Department of Legal Affairs.

The Notaries Rules, 1956 were originally published in the Gazette of India on February 14, 1956, and last amended by notification G.S.R. 132(E) dated February 24, 2024. The latest amendment aims to make notarial services more accessible, especially in rural and newly formed administrative divisions.

Notaries are public officials authorised to verify, authenticate and certify legal documents, witness signatures, and administer oaths. Their primary function is to prevent fraud and uphold the integrity of legal and commercial transactions.

By expanding the permissible number of appointments, the Centre intends to ensure that individuals and businesses have easier access to certified legal services, reducing procedural delays and improving efficiency in document authentication.

Ankit Kumar is a Senior Sub Editor at Zee Business. He covers international affairs, politics, climate change, business, finance and global elections. With experience acros