Find a Notary Public Near You

A notary public is a qualified legal professional who authenticates documents for use abroad, administers oaths, witnesses signatures, and certifies copies. They are essential for international business, property transactions, powers of attorney, and legalisation of documents for foreign governments. In the UK, notary publics are regulated by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Notary fees in the UK typically range from £50 to £300+ depending on the complexity of the work, the number of documents, and whether legalisation or apostille services are required. Most notaries offer a free initial quote. Submit an enquiry above and we'll connect you with a notary who can provide a quote for your specific requirements.

While both are legal professionals, a notary public specialises in authenticating documents for international use. Notaries are regulated by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, whereas solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. Notaries are specifically qualified to prepare documents that will be recognised by foreign authorities, embassies, and consulates.

An apostille is an official certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) that authenticates a document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. You need an apostille when a foreign authority, employer, university, or government requires proof that your UK document is genuine. Common documents that require apostilles include birth certificates, degree certificates, police checks, and company documents.

Simply fill in the enquiry form above with your location and what service you need. We'll connect you with a qualified notary public in your area. We have notaries available in London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Cardiff, Belfast and all major UK cities. Many notaries also offer remote or online notarisation services.

You will typically need valid photographic identification (passport or driving licence), proof of address (utility bill or bank statement dated within the last three months), and the documents you need notarised. If you are signing on behalf of a company, you may also need to provide articles of association, a board resolution, or a power of attorney. Your notary will advise you of the exact requirements when you make your appointment.

Yes, UK notary publics can notarise documents destined for any country in the world. The process may vary depending on the destination country. For Hague Convention countries, an apostille is usually sufficient. For non-Hague countries, full embassy or consulate legalisation may be required. Your notary will advise on the correct authentication process for your specific destination.

A straightforward notarisation appointment typically takes 15-30 minutes. The full process, including any required apostille or legalisation, can take from 1-10 working days depending on the service. Same-day notarisation is often available, and expedited apostille and legalisation services can be arranged for urgent matters.