Many individuals and businesses go through a question like how to notarize a document in the UK, it can add a layer of security to contracts and other documents by requiring a witness to verify the signer’s identity. This witness attests that the signer is not signing under duress and that they are aware of the contents of the document they are signing.
What does it mean to notarize a document, and what is a notary?
Notarization is an identity-based, anti-fraud measure performed by a government-authorized individual known as a notary public. Their role is to verify the signer’s identity, witness the signing of the document, and ensure the signer has the mental capacity to understand the document.
Notaries confirm this by affixing their signature and official seal to the document. Notarize a document is considered as a reliable and self-authenticating and providing legal evidence that a document was signed correctly.
Who is eligible for notarizing a document?
In the UK, only a notary public can notarize a document. A notary public is a legal professional authorized by the government to witness and certificate authenticate. Many solicitors are also public notaries; certain banks may offer notary services.
How is a document notarized?
The process for notarising a document involves the following steps:
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Identity Verification
The notary ensures the signer’s identity by requesting valid identification.
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Witnessing the Signature
The notary witnesses the signer physically sign the document.
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Applying the Notarization Seal
After confirming all signatures, the notary applies their official seal to the document, making it legally valid.
Traditionally, a notary completes notarization in person, requiring the signer to meet with the notary and provide a paper copy of the document.
Notary Public
As a publicly commissioned official, a notary public is responsible for verifying the authenticity of documents and serves as an impartial witness when signing legal documents.
Legal documents are notarised to ensure they are correctly executed and deter fraud. The notaries must identify signatories to a document submitted for document notarization to weed out imposters and ensure that parties agree willingly and knowingly.
Government authorities appoint notaries, such as courts, state governments, or a regulatory body. They do not receive government remuneration and earn income from service fees.
To become a Notary Public in the UK, a person must be at least 25 years old and either hold a law degree or be a solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales or a barrister at law. He/she must have taken the oath of allegiance under the Public Notaries Act 1843.
Certified Solicitors
Certified Solicitors attest a document to confirm whether it is original or a true copy of the original. The solicitor ensures that the papers getting certified are valid and authenticated.
What is meant by Solicitor Documents Certification?
A solicitor will examine a document and subsequently add a statement as to why they are certifying it and add their signature. All solicitors’ signatures should be valid and genuine, citing the intended purpose clearly in the attached document.
The solicitor certifying the documents should ensure the following:
- They must possess a valid practicing certificate.
- They have to sign the document in the UK.
- hey must indicate their action, such as witnessing, certifying a copy, or confirming a document as original.
- The solicitors should use their signature and not the company’s signature.
- They should indicate the certification date.
- Indicate their name as well as the address of their company.
- They must ensure the signature is in the original ink. It is not enough to use copy or digital signatures.
A solicitor may charge fees to authenticate documents, with costs varying depending on the type of document.
How can Helpline Group in the UK help in Notarizing a Document?
Helpline Group in the UK specializes in providing notary services to clients in the UK by their well-known notary public and certified solicitors. They assist in certifying the documents and authenticating legal documents like wills, deeds, licenses, etc., for clients in the UK in a hassle-free manner.
With over 25 years of experience, 300+ experts, and a global presence, we assure you of reliable and simplify the process of notarize a document in the UK.