How does a Notary Public authenticate or notarise a document?
The Notaries Society describes a Notary as a qualified lawyer a member of the third and oldest branch of the legal profession in the United Kingdom
They must be fully insured and maintain fidelity cover for the protection of their clients and the public.
The Notaries Society is the representative society for the 900 or so Notaries Public practising in England and Wales. Scrivener Notaries who practise mainly in the City of London are represented by the Society of Scrivener Notaries.
In layman's terms a Notary Public is the holder of a public office and a member of a distinct branch of the legal profession. Most notaries are also solicitors.
What Notarial Services are available?
- Many notaries do work for commercial firms engaged in international trade, and for private individuals. The most common notarial services available are:
- Preparing and witnessing powers of attorney for use overseas
- Dealing with purchase or sale of land and property abroad
- Providing documents to deal with the administration of the estate of people who are abroad, or owning property abroad
- Authentication personal documents and information for immigration or emigration purposes, or to apply to marry or to work abroad
- Authenticating company and business documents and transactions
A Notary Public is required to check the identity of the signatory by the production of proper documents;
attest the signature of the individual involved; and ensure that the document is signed in accordance with English Law and also in accordance with the legal requirements of the country for which the document is required.
What are 'proper documents'?
A client is required to declare and prove their identity before the Notary by producing 'proper documents' which are generally a current valid passport and something like a council tax or electricity bill or bank statement to confirm their address.
How do I find a Notary Public?
Time is very often of the essence when the services of a notary are required. Most solicitors offer a notarial service.
Notaries Society (http://www.thenotariessociety.org.uk/) offer a useful search facility on their website of notaries based on town or county.