What is a Notary Public? Print
A Notary Public is an experienced, knowledgeable individual, often a solicitor, who is formally appointed by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury and who can be relied on to see to it that business and legal documents are signed and witnessed properly and in accordance with the requirements of the country concerned.

A Notary acts as an impartial and professional witness to certify the signature of documents required for use mainly abroad.

Notarial requirements about signature and certification of documents vary from country to country.

A Notary's job includes:

  • Witnessing the signature of documents
  • Authenticating the signature of documents
  • Authenticating the content of documents and facts recited
  • Administration of oaths and declarations
  • Powers of attorney, corporate records, contracts
  • Verifying (via translator) translations of documents into English and from English
  • The provision of notarised copies of documents
  • "Legalisation" via Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and foreign embassies/consulates