Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Notary Public?
An independently qualified and regulated Lawyer (www.facultyoffice.org.uk) holding Professional Indemnity Insurance and an annual practicing certificate.
A Notary Public verifies facts and authenticates documents for their use outside of England and Wales.
Why do people need a Notary Public?
A Notary’s qualification and status is recognised worldwide by means of the Notary Public’s signature and seal. The majority of the work carried out by a Notary Public is used abroad and outside England and Wales.
What is the role of the Notary Public?
The type of work undertaken by a Notary Public is wide ranging and limitless. A Notary does not advise on the effect of a document. However, the Notary must ensure that the person entering into the transaction has the capacity, will and understanding to do so. In the majority of cases the Notary Public must attend upon the person signing the document, and also verify the identity of that person. A Notary Public may be asked to;
- Assist with a Power of Attorney for use abroad
- Certify copies of documents to include a Passport, educational certificates, bank statements, etc.
- Witness documents to buy, sell or transfer property abroad
- Swear Affidavits
- Attest Statutory Declarations
- Certify consents for a child to travel or obtain a Passport
- Certify company documents
- Certification and authentication of certificates/ documents issued by Companies House
- Verification of general information regarding a Company
- Legalisation and apostille
Countries and foreign languages
All countries worldwide are dealt with. Some documents may be in a foreign language. It is necessary to ensure both the Notary and the client understanding the meaning and effect of the document. Whilst advice will not be given about the document or transaction if the document is in a foreign language a translation may have to be obtained.
What is legalisation/ apostille?
Legalisation is the process whereby the signature and seal of a Notary Public are verified and confirmed by an independent authority. Many countries require the apostille which is a certificate of confirmation provided in the UK by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO).
In addition to this some countries may require legalisation by their own consulate in England.
What identification does a Notary Public require?
- Your current Passport; or, if not available and subject to agreement
- A current new driving licence with photo or national identity card
If neither of the above are available at least two of the following;
- A current government or Police issue certificate bearing a photo or other formal means of identification
- A utility bill, credit card or bank statement showing your current address which should not be more than three months old
- Current Council tax bill
Corporate clients are required to provide evidence of the due incorporation of the company or entity with the following documents;
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Extract from the company register
- Latest report and audited accounts
What is the procedure, and how long will it take?
Some Notarial work can be dealt with on an urgent basis. Most matters can be completed within 5 to 7 days but additional time is required for legalisation.
- Please telephone 07967 326 888 to discuss your requirements, or email me on notarypublicdesk@yahoo.com and also provide any instructions you have received from the person requesting the document, and confirm which country it is for.
- I will respond to you within 24 hours and confirm my fee, and any disbursements once I have seen the document(s).
- I will arrange a mutually convenient appointment prior to which I will finalise the documentation unless it is already complete.
- At the appointment I will verify your identity and witness you signing the document(s) in my presence.
- I will arrange any necessary legalisation and confirm fees if required.
- If any additional work or legalisation is not required you can take the document away with you subject to payment of my fees.
How much will it cost?
I attempt to quote competitive fees which reflect the professional time spent reviewing, drafting and amending the documentation. The complexity and urgency of the matter, dealing with any necessary legalisation, additional travel time will be taken into account. Please contact me to obtain a quotation.
For further information on costs please click here.
How do I make an appointment?
I have offices in Streetly, Sutton Coldfield. I see clients outside business hours to include evenings and weekends by appointment at my Streetly office.
Please contact me on 07967 326 888 or notarypublicdesk@yahoo.com in order to arrange your appointment. Please see my contact page for my contact details and for a map of my office location.