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 any
documents in front of 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 that they are ‘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.
 

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