WHEREAS, Authentication of documents provide a reliable means of evidence and thus facilitate contract and other relations between persons and organizations both at the domestic and international levels;

WHEREAS, registration of documents ensures the availability of documents whenever they are required;

WHEREAS, the functions of authentication and registration of documents have been carried out in the country by courts and other public offices based on practice and that there was no relevant Federal legislation which determines the scope of the work and the powers and duties of organs involved in the provision of notarial services;

WHEREAS, applying uniform federal legislation on authentication and registration of documents throughout the country have positive impact on. The flexibility of the Trade and other business relations between the citizens;

WHEREAS, it is necessary to define by law the powers and duties of institutions that carry out the functions of authentication and registration of documents;

NOW, THEREFORE, in accordance with Article 55(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, it is hereby proclaimed as follows: