Notarisation

Notary Public Services: Frequently Asked Questions

The main role of a Notary Public in England is to provide certainty to foreign authorities, courts, banks, businesses, legal professionals or individuals regarding the authenticity of a document and any signatures within it. As a highly qualified and regulated legal professional, an English Notary verifies the signatory’s identity, mental capacity, understanding of the document’s legal implications, and willingness to sign. Because a Notary acts as an independent authority, their certification is trusted by receiving parties worldwide.

Below are answers to common questions regarding the notarisation services.

Why and when do you need to see a Notary?

You will typically need the services of an English Notary when dealing with legal matters abroad. Common examples include:

• Buying or selling overseas property.
• Opening a bank account abroad.
• Receiving a foreign pension.
• Getting married abroad.
• Registering an English divorce with overseas authorities.
• Providing evidence of qualifications, employment, or income (e.g. for visa applications or foreign mortgage approvals).
• Participating in legal proceedings overseas.

What documents require notarisation?

A wide range of personal and commercial documents may require notarisation, including:

• Powers of Attorney, Affidavits, and Statutory Declarations.
• Identity and Address Documents: Passports, driving licences, bank statements, and utility bills.
• Educational Documents: Degree certificates, transcripts, and university reference letters.
• Court Documents: Court orders, Decrees Absolute, and Final Orders.
• Deed Polls: Name change documentation.
• Corporate Documents: Certificates of Incorporation, Memorandum and Articles of Association, Board Resolutions, Deeds and Contracts.

What are the stages of the notarisation process?

1. Initial Consultation: Email your document along with any specific instructions received from your foreign lawyer or overseas authority. I will review them, advise on the next steps, and provide an accurate quote.
2. Preparation: I will arrange a convenient appointment, provide you with all required information, and with the details of any identification and supporting documents you need to bring with you at the appointment.
3. The Appointment: You attend in person to sign the document and have it notarised.
4. Legalisation (Optional): If required, I can arrange for an Apostille from the Legalisation Office of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and, if necessary, additional legalisation from the relevant consulate or embassy.

How much does notarisation cost?

Fees vary depending on the complexity of the documents. Please visit my Fees Page for a transparent breakdown of my professional fees and any disbursements (such as FCDO Apostille costs).

“Just a stamp”

It is a common misconception that a Notary Public simply applies a stamp to a document without needing to review its contents. In reality, a Notary is a highly qualified legal professional who assumes significant personal, legal, and financial responsibility for every document they sign and seal.

When you instruct a notary, you are paying for a rigorous and detailed legal process rather than a quick administrative task. A notarial job involves far more than a “stamp”. The professional fee reflects the specialist expertise required, as well as the substantial ongoing investment in legal qualifications, mandatory continuing professional development, professional indemnity insurance, regulatory compliance, and practice overheads.

Foreign authorities rely on the notary to carry out thorough checks, provide complete certainty, and prevent international fraud. Delivering this level of legal assurance requires time, expertise, and meticulous care – all of which are reflected in the professional fee.

Do you need an appointment?

Yes. All consultations are by appointment only. Please get in touch to arrange a convenient time.

How quickly can you see me?

I understand that many international legal matters are time-sensitive. I pride myself on my responsiveness and typically reply to all enquiries within a few hours.

Regarding appointment availability:

• Same-Day Service: Depending on my schedule, I can often accommodate urgent matters with a same-day appointment.
• Standard Availability: If a same-day slot is unavailable, I can almost always arrange an appointment within one to two working days.
• Flexible Hours: To assist busy clients, evening and weekend appointments are also available by prior arrangement.

Can this be done online?

If you are signing a document (such as a Power of Attorney, a Statutory Declaration or an Affidavit), you must attend in person so your identity and signature can be witnessed directly. However, for certifying true copies of original documents, remote services are available.

How long is your notarised document valid?

Validity depends entirely on the laws and requirements of the receiving country, as well as the specific type of document. For example, some documents (such as Powers of Attorney) may carry an explicit expiry date, while foreign authorities, banks, or courts often impose their own time limits -frequently requiring documents to have been issued within the last three to six months.

Find a Notary in England

While I am happy to assist you, if you are looking for a notary in another specific area, you can use the search tools provided by The Faculty Office or The Notaries Society.