For use abroad 

 

What is a notarial act?

It authenticates an event, transaction or fact creating a public record.  To certify its truth various verifications of fact and law always need to be carried out and it may involve the attestation of a signature to a document.  Attestation being more than mere witnessing. The specific legal requirements of the country in which it is intended to be effective dictate what exactly is required. The execution, completion and carrying out of this process means that a ‘notarial act’ is performed by the notary and is created in the form of a document, often as a separate notarial certificate. This is often described as ‘notarisation’ and the act is intended to provide evidentiary status, authenticity and acceptability within the domestic law of the country requiring it. ​​The proper recording of that act and the legalisation of the notary's signature and seal in accordance with international conventions enable it to be given legal recognition in that country.

​

On paper:  Often this is in the form of a certificate confirming how the notary identified a signatory and attested the signature and other forms of authentication, as necessary. It is usually prepared on a separate page and permanently bound to  other documents using a holepunch reinforced with a metal eyelet which is then tied with ribbon and secured by a wafer seal.  It is signed by the notary who affixes their seal. The certificate may be added directly to a document, sometimes following a pre-printed format.  Sometimes, a certificate is not required such as an attested document which can stand alone without it. Please see our section Procedure/Forms of Notarisation.

​

What happens to the notarised document?

Please refer to our section, Procedure/Forms of Notarisation 

​​

Our fee starts from £75.00.   Please contact us if you require this service.

​

E-notarisation: Electronic notarisation is an alternative to the traditional form of paper attestation on physical paper documents that are provided by way of “wet-ink” signature. You may, alternatively, have been asked to have your signature on a document e-notarised which is likely to be via video call or on a scanned version of an original document.  

​

E-Apostille (legalisation): Alternatively or in addition, you may be asked to submit the notarised document to the FCDO for an Electronic Apostille for legalisation. Our  legalisation/consularisation page provides more general information on procedures. 

​

Restrictions:

• Some documents cannot be e-notarised and e-apostilled such as UK-issued birth, marriage and death certificates and UK issued criminal record checks (i.e. ACRO/DBS).

• Documents such as affidavits, oaths and declarations need to be sworn in the presence of the notary in-person, rather than over a video call.

• Documents that require further legalisation at a Diplomatic Mission or Consulate then the e-notarisation and e-apostille process may not be suitable or acceptable.

• Documents such as ‘deeds’ have to comply with various formalities that require special care to satisfy.

• In some cases, but not often, the law stipulates use of a particular kind of electronic signature.

• Whilst the countries who are members of the Apostille Convention should equally accept e-Apostilles, requirements of the organisation or individual in the country that has requested the apostille should be asked as to whether it will be accepted.

​

Our position on E-Notarisaion and E-Apostille: We do not conduct remote notarisations (where you and the notary are not physically present together) nor do, we, presently, offer either of the above e-services. However, should these e-services be required, due to timescale or otherwise, then we can suggest a Notary who can assist you. 

​