Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Notary Public ?

A  Notary Public in England and Wales is an individual, holding an internationally recognised qualification from the Court of Faculties based in London, allowing that individual to carry out work such as that of the witnessing
of signatures, the preparation of deeds, affidavits and certificates. The majority of Notaries are also Solicitors.

Why do I need the signature of a Notary Public on my document/s ?

Internationally it is known that the Notary will follow certain procedures in relation to your documents, for example that you must appear in person to sign your documents before the Notary - having first properly identified yourself. The Notary will then make and keep and an accurate record containing details of yourself and the documents signed and sealed by the Notary. It is because these procedures are followed strictly and consistently by Notaries, and compliance monitored by the Court of Faculties, that those receiving your
documents want those documents to be ‘notarised’.

What is the difference between Notarisation and Legalisation ?

It is a common misunderstanding that both Notarisation and Legalisation are the same. Notarisation occurs when a Notary applies his signature and seal to a document. Legalisation occurs when an Embassy, Consulate, or the Foreign and Commonwealth Office attach their own certificate confirming that the Notary signature and seal are genuine.

What is Legalisation?

Legalisation is a process whereby a Government Official counter-signs your document/s after the Notary has signed. Usually it is to confirm that the Notary signature and seal appearing on your document/s are genuinely that of the relevant Notary Public.Not all countries require legalistion.
The Government Official that counter-signs your document/s may either be from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, or from the Embassy or Consulate relating to the County to which you are sending your document/s.
In some cases you will be required to have your document/s legalised from both the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and an Embassy/Consulate.
Legalisation fees vary from Embassy to Embassy. The current fee to have a document legalised from the Foreign and Commonweath Office is £30 per
document.