There’s More to a Notary Than Meets the Eye

Many people think a Notary Public simply “stamps” a document. In reality, notarisation is a vital legal process that ensures your documents are valid, authentic, and trusted overseas.

At NotaryPublic.co.uk, we explain what a Notary does and why their role is essential for international matters.

What Is a Notary Public?

In England and Wales, there are three branches of the legal profession — solicitors, barristers, and notaries. The Notary Public is the oldest, dating back to the Roman Empire.

Today, there are around 750 Notaries in England and Wales. Most are also qualified solicitors or barristers, but the notarial profession is regulated separately and operates under its own code of conduct.

Notaries are appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury and regulated by the Court of Faculties under the Ecclesiastical Licences Act 1533, a power that dates back to Henry VIII.

Every Notary must:

• Maintain full professional indemnity insurance.
• Keep client money separate from business funds.
• Comply with strict professional, ethical, and conduct rules.

The Role of a Notary

A Notary Public acts as an independent certifying officer for transactions and documents related to international or overseas matters.

Their job is to verify and certify facts, signatures, and documents, ensuring they are accepted by authorities abroad.

Unlike notaries in many other countries, Notaries in England and Wales receive extensive legal training and their authority is internationally recognised. For example, in the United States, notaries have no legal training and simply witness signatures — a sharp contrast to the UK’s high professional standards.

Notarisation: More Than Just a Stamp

Notarisation is not a “rubber-stamping” exercise. A Notary must act impartially and independently, with their main duty being to the transaction itself, not any individual client.

Their duty of care extends to:

• The client, and
• Anyone who may rely on the document, including foreign governments, embassies, or officials.

Foreign authorities are entitled to:

• Assume a UK Notary has ensured full legal compliance both in the UK and abroad.
• Rely on the accuracy of the Notary’s official records and registers.

Meticulous attention to detail is required to prevent:

• Fraud or forgery
• Identity misuse
• Money laundering
• Errors or omissions

What Is an Apostille?

If your document is to be used in a country that is a party to the Hague Convention of 1961, it will usually require an Apostille certificate.

In the UK, Apostilles are issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Once your document is signed by a Notary, it is sent to the FCDO, where an officer confirms the Notary’s credentials and attaches the Apostille.

This process:

• Verifies the Notary’s authority.
• Confirms the authenticity of the document.
• Involves additional costs and processing time.

Consular Legalisation

If your document is intended for a country not part of the Hague Convention, it will need Consular Legalisation rather than an Apostille.

This is done by the relevant Consulate or Embassy in the UK. The consular officer checks the notarised document and attaches a certificate confirming its validity.

Processing times and fees depend on each Consulate and may vary significantly.

Why Choose a Notary Public?

When you instruct a Notary, you are engaging a specialist professional recognised internationally for their independence, accuracy, and integrity.

At NotaryPublic.co.uk, we provide:

• A directory of notaries
• An enquiry function which sends your notarial needs to notaries in your location
• A Helpline to support you if you are stuck

Notarial Services

The notaries who deal with enquiries from NotaryPublic.co.uk offer a full range of notarial and document authentication services for both individuals and businesses, including:

• Affidavits and Oaths – administering affidavits, statutory declarations or depositions as a Commissioner for Oaths
• Powers of Attorney – drafted or witnessed for use in the UK or abroad.
• Company Documents – written resolutions, board minutes, certificates of good standing or company name changes.
• Personal Documents – including educational certificates, birth, marriage and death certificates, divorce decrees, and sworn statements.
• Certified Copies – of passports, documents and original records.
• Deeds and Agreements – preparation and witnessing of property or contractual documents (with translation if required).
• Signature Attestation – verifying and witnessing the execution of legal documents.
• HMRC Documentation – such as certificates of residence, P60s and tax declaration forms.

Get in Touch

If you need help notarising your documents, obtaining an Apostille, or arranging Consular Legalisation, we’re here to help.

📞 Call us today or 📧 send us a message to discuss your requirements and book an appointment.

Ensure your documents are correctly notarised and recognised worldwide with NotaryPublic.co.uk — trusted notarial services for England and Wales.