NOTARY PUBLIC HERTFORDSHIRE
Notary Public Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to some of the questions I am most frequently asked. Click on a link to see the answer.
- What is a Notary Public and what do they do?
- What identification should I bring to the meeting?
- Do I need an Apostille or Legalisation?
- How much does it cost for notarisation?
- Data Protection Privacy Notice
- Terms of Business (printable)
What is a Notary Public and what do they do?
A Notary Public is a specialist lawyer who can witness or certify documents for use in foreign countries. By virtue of the Notaries signature and official seal, authorities in other countries will be assured that the relevant checks have been carried out.
As an example, when buying a property abroad you may need to give your overseas lawyer power to deal with the purchase. A Notary Public can watch you sign a Power of Attorney and then notarise this document to ensure that it is accepted in the country involved.
What identification should I bring to the meeting?
To comply with money laundering regulations a Notary must confirm your identity. When attending an appointment with a Notary each person signing the document must provide at least one of the following:
- A valid passport
- Driving licence with photo ID card
- National identity card (only for EEA state members)
- Armed forces pass (with photo and signature)
- Firearms licence (with photo and signature)
- Any other official government issue ID card (with photo and signature)
- Residence permit (where relevant)
You must also provide proof of your address by one of the following:
- Recent bank statement or letter from bank
- Recent utility bill or council tax bill (not a mobile phone bill)
- Tenancy agreement or Housing Association rent card for your current address
- Inland Revenue tax demand or self assessment statement
If you are acting on behalf of a Corporation you must provide evidence of the due incorporation of the company. This can be one of the following documents:
- Certificate of incorporation
- Extract from the company register
- Latest report and audited accounts
- Up to date certified copy of partnership agreement
- Evidence of being regulated by a regulatory body such as the Law Society or FSA.
In addition to the above, each signatory will also need to produce one of the identification documents mentioned above.
Do I need an Apostille or Legalisation?
Certain countries may also require the additional step of the document being Legalised. This is a process whereby the Foreign and Commonwealth Office confirm the validity of the Notary’s signature and seal. Once this check has been carried out a certificate called an ‘Apostille’ is attached to the notarised document.
The need for Legalisation depends on the country involved and your Notary can advise you on this.How much does it cost for notarisation?
The cost will depend on the type and number of documents to be notarised. To obtain a quote please contact me with the following information:
- What type of document do you need notarising?
- How many different documents do you need notarising?
- How many copies of each notarised document do you require?
- Are the documents being notarised for an individual or company?
- Which country are the documents intended for?
- Whether you require an Apostille (if known)?