APOSTILLE AND
LEGALISATION
Once a document has been notarised, it is usually necessary for the notary’s signature and seal to be certified as genuine by governmental authorities before it can be used overseas. This process is called legalisation.
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A notary is a specialist lawyer who is qualified to certify legal and official documents. Their job is to certify the authenticity of deeds and legal documents.
Specifically, a Notary Public authenticates documents for use in foreign jurisdictions, in which a solicitor’s authentication would not be accepted.
Notaries can also attest to the truth and accuracy of translations. Each notarised document will bear the notary’s signature. This confirms the document has been certified.
We work with members of the public, students, overseas skilled workers, professional bodies, embassies, colleges, universities and immigration professionals to name a few.
We are supported by a team of highly qualified, friendly, and experienced professionals, ready to help you with your notarial requirements.
When do I need a Notary Public?
Your lawyer may ask you to instruct a notary to authenticate your documents for use abroad. There are several circumstances in which you would need such services, some of which can be found below:
- In the authentication of powers of attorney for use overseas
- To purchase or sell property abroad
- Applying to marry abroad
- Applying to work abroad
We provide simple and professional solutions for notary and legalisation requirements for your personal and business needs.
Instructing our notary
It is recommended that you check with the relevant authority to confirm whether you need a notary. Failure to do so could cause delay and incur additional costs.
When you instruct our notary, we will give you a client care letter as confirmation of your appointment and our services. The letter also provides more information about the notary process. A member of our business development team will be available to answer any questions you may have.
We will also give you regular updates on the status of your document should it be sent off for legalisation.
Our terms of business can be read in more detail here.
What to bring to your appointment
We are required to keep accurate records and to identify each client. Because of this, it is important you are able to prove your identity and address.
Your identity can be proven by any government-issued ID.
Examples:
- Passport (recommended and preferred)
- UK driving licence
- Biometric Residence Permit (BRP card) / Visa card
- Driving Licence
It MUST be the original, a photocopy or photograph is not acceptable.
Your address can be proven with a bank statement or bill. It must have been issued within the last three months. One only example is necessary.
Examples:
- Council tax bill
- Bank statement
- Utility bill
- Mortgage statement
Your proof of address can be a digital or printed copy, the original is not required.
If you require documents such as powers of attorney, affidavits or declarations, it helps if you already have a draft. This can be provided by your lawyer or notary from the foreign jurisdiction it is intended for. If you don not have this, we can do it for you.
Who must attend the appointment
Please ensure all those individuals who are required to sign the documents to be notarised are physically present at notary appointment. They must all provide the correct identification documents described above.
For legal and compliance reasons, it is not possible to proceed with any notary appointment without the physical presence of all relevant signatories at the appointment. This is because the notary must validate each person’s identity.
These are strict legal guidelines and exceptions cannot be made.