What is notarisation and why it’s necessary?

Notarisation is the authentication of a document by a notary.   

A notary certifies the authenticity of a document or that a person has signed a document.   

For example, it may be needed to prove someone has signed a power of attorney the notary will produce a notarial certificate stating that the person appeared before them, identified themselves and signed the document in their presence. 

Or, another example would be to authenticate a company’s Certificate of Incorporation, the notary will examine the filed copy at Companies House and then produce a notarial act certificate stating the the document is a true copy of the Certificate of Incorporation of a company as filed at Companies House Documents section. 

Notarial authentication or notarisation is one of the highest levels of verification provided by a lawyer in the United Kingdom. 

Notarisation is usually needed when you are dealing with a legal, property or business matter in foreign countries.  

In most countries in the world, a notary is required to perform notarisation.  In essence, it is documentary evidence that is acceptable overseas. 

If you need notarisation, give us a call on +442074992605 or email us notary@notarypublicinlondon.com  we will guide you through what needs to be done.  

Types of documents that can be notarised

Here's a non-exhaustive list of Notarised documents

Notarisation Process

The way you get your document notarised will depend on a few things.

For example kind of document you have.  

Some documents like powers of attorney may need you to visit us and sign it.   Other documents can be handled remotely if the document needs authenticated.  

Order notarisation of documents in 3 simple steps 

1. Give us a call on +442074992605 or email us in the document to notary@notarypublicinlondon.com.   We offer a free initial telephone consultation.  So tell us what you need your notarised document for and what type of document it is. We will advise you what needs to be done. 
2. If necessary we will book you in for an appointment at our Central London office near Bond Street and Oxford Circus Stations or we can come to you. 
3. You will complete a client onboarding form and then attend a notarial services appointment, provide anti-money laundering proof of identity and proof of address documents and have your document notarised.   The job is normally done while-you-wait and takes 15-20 minutes.  You can take your documents with you and we will email a scan. 

Why choose us? 

Experience

We have the experience you need.    We notarise documents for both private and commercial clients and have been doing so since 2004.  

Fast and Convenient

We can book you in on a same or next day basis and can turn around your documents on the day. We know it's usually urgent and pride ourselves in getting the job done quickly. 

Your time is precious, we are centrally located just a 5 minute walk from Bond Street or Oxford Circus stations.   If you're too busy we can come to you. 

Trust

We have worked for thousands of satisfied clients.    

If you need help, give us a call now on +442074992605

Do You need Apostille Legalisation or Consular legalisation 

Sometimes in addition to document notarisation you might need to have the notary's credentials authenticated as well. This is done by the UK Government Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). 

The FCDO will verify the signature of the notary and a certificate called an Apostille is affixed to the document . 

Visit our Apostille Guide for a detailed explanation. 

For some countries you may also need a consulate stamp.   Visit our Legalisation Office Country Guide page for more information on this.  

Or make it simpler, call us and we will tell you what you need to do.  We offer a full legalisation service.  

Notary Services - ways we make it easier for you 

Mobile notary

We can come to your home or office anywhere in London.   Or by appointment outside of London.   We know your time is important to you.   Give us a call to enquire about our mobile notary service. 

Online Notary

Modern technology has enabled online notary services. So if this is a service that suits you, get in touch. 

Electronic Notarisation

Remote Notarisation

Regular clients where we have your KYC documents on file and signatures on file we offer a remote notarisation service for documents that don't need physical presence to be notarised.    

FAQs

Can you help with foreign languages? 

Yes, we can. As long as you understand the contents of the document or have had a professional translation or have had a professional like a foreign lawyer explain it to you.

What is the difference between notarisation and legalisation?

Notarisation is where a notary authenticates a document.   Legalisation is where a Government authority provides further verification of the signature and seal of the notary or public official who has signed or sealed the document.  This is often done with an Apostille. 

How long does it take to get a document notarised?

It generally takes about 15 minutes to get your documents notarised. 

Is notarisation the same as certification? 

No, it's similar but different.   Certification is usually required for domestic purposes and can be done by a solicitor or commissioner for oaths in the UK. 

Can notarisation be done online in the UK?  

Some documents can be notarised online.   Give us a call or email us to check.

Are notaries regulated?

Yes, notaries are regulated by the Court of Faculties of the Archbishop of Canterbury. 

Is notarisation legally binding in the UK?

Yes, notarised documents should be recognised in the UK and in foreign countries.