Notary Public Guide

Notaries form an independent branch of the legal profession, and are appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury.

By signing and sealing a document, a Notary gives credence to that document and it will be accepted without question in all jurisdictions around the world.  The work of a Notary, therefore, is to deal with the documents which will be used abroad.

Why do you need a Notary Public

You may need to sign a document or provide evidence of something which will be relied upon in an overseas country, for example when buying a property abroad or if you have a business overseas.

However, if you sign that document outside the country, the receiving authority will require some certainty that the information is correct.  It is a Notary Public who has the authority to witness the document and verify the facts.

What does a Notary Public do?

A Notary will deal with a number of different documents and requirements.  Many Notaries do work for commercial firms engaged in international trade and for private individuals.

We can help in the following areas:-

• preparing and witnessing Powers of Attorney for use overseas
• dealing with the purchase or sale of land or property abroad
• providing documents to deal with the administration of the estates of people who are abroad or have property abroad
• authenticating company and business documents and transactions
• witnessing affidavits, oaths and declarations
• witnessing documents for couples intending to marry abroad
• authorising medical examination submissions, and applications for replacement passports and birth certificates
• naturalisation
• litigation.

The Notary will have to satisfy herself that he client understands the nature of the document or that the documents provided are valid.

Notarisation of the execution means that the Notary has checked:-

• your identity
• your capacity to sign, and
• your capacity to understand.

The Notary will then attach a certificate to the document, verifying it with her signature and seal.

In addition, the Notary will advise whether the document is in an acceptable format in the receiving country.  This may require a further document or a specific certificate being prepared.  It may also require Legalisation.

What does Legalisation mean?

For some countries, it is sufficient if a document simply bears the seal and signature of the Notary.  However, in others, the document will require the Notary's signature and seal to be legalised – in other words, it is approved by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and the certificate issued is called an "Apostille".   You cannot obtain an Apostille or legalisation certificate without having first seen a Notary.

What identification will I need?

In order to verify who you are, the Notary will need to see the following forms of identification:-

• a valid passport
• a recent utility bill.

We are members of the Notary Society of England and Wales, and offer a full range of services to companies, individuals and other firms of solicitors.