Do I need a notary public?

As a rule of thumb: if a document is going to be used outside the UK, you probably need a notary public. If it stays in the UK, you usually do not. Here is how that plays out in the situations we see most often.

You will normally need a notary

• Buying or selling property abroad - the overseas notary or lawyer will require a notarised, apostilled power of attorney or identity documents.
• Giving someone power of attorney in another country - for property, banking, inheritance or business.
• Company matters overseas - opening a branch or bank account, signing contracts, tenders, or registering a subsidiary. The document usually needs a notary to confirm the signatory's authority.
• Studying or working abroad - universities, employers and licensing bodies often want notarised, apostilled copies of degree certificates and transcripts.
• Immigration and visas - sponsorship declarations, and police (ACRO) certificates that need an apostille.
• Marriage or civil partnership abroad - a Certificate of No Impediment and related documents, notarised and legalised for the destination country.
• Adoption or surrogacy involving another country.
• Inheritance or estate matters abroad - dealing with assets, renouncing or accepting an inheritance, or proving your identity to a foreign court.
• Any document that must carry an apostille - the FCDO registers notaries' signatures, so notarisation is the usual first step.

You probably do not need a notary

• Certified copies for a UK bank, employer or government department - a solicitor can do this.
• Statutory declarations and affidavits for use in the UK - a solicitor or commissioner for oaths.
• Witnessing a UK will or a standard UK deed.
• Verifying your identity for a UK regulated firm - often done in-house or by a solicitor.

What happens once you have a notary

1. Book an appointment and bring photo ID, proof of address, and everything relating to the matter.
2. The notary checks your identity and authority, witnesses the signing, and applies the notarial certificate and seal.
3. If the destination country needs it, the document then goes to the FCDO for an apostille, and to the relevant embassy for legalisation.
4. The finished document is returned to you or couriered where it needs to go.

Still not sure?

Tell us what the document is and which country it is for. We will confirm whether you need a notary and quote for the whole process.

Request a quote or call 0800 058 1180. Related reading: notary public vs solicitor and notarising documents for use abroad.

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