A notarized document is verified by a public notary within the UK to confirm the authenticity of signatures and the identities of those who sign. On the other hand, apostille is a certification that allows a document to be recognized internationally by legalizing it. It can be used in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. The apostille makes the document suitable for use in foreign countries. A document must notarized and apostilled to be used abroad.
Key differences between the notarized and the apostilled in the UK
The main differences between the notarized and apostilled document in the UK are indicated below:
- Purpose: Notarization verifies the authenticity of a document within a country, while an apostille authenticates a document for use in other countries participating in the Hague Apostille Convention.
- Who is responsible: A notary public performs the notarization by verifying the signature on a document while a designated government authority like the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) in the UK issues the apostille in the UK.
- Scope: A notarized document can be used only domestically within a country, while an apostilled document can be used abroad in countries that are signatories to the Apostille Convention of 1961. A notarized document can be apostilled for use abroad.
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 a court, state governments or a regulatory body. They do not receive government remuneration and earn income from service fees.
To be admitted as a Notary Public in the UK, a person must be at least 25 years of age and have a Degree in Law or hold a position as a certified 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.
Notarization of Documents
To notarize a document in the UK, you need to take it to a Notary Public who will verify your identity, witness your signature on the document, and then apply their official notary seal, certifying the document as authentic.
Apostille services
An apostille is a certificate verifying the genuineness of documents for international use. It confirms the legitimacy of signatures and seals on public records. The apostilles authenticate public documents, simplifying the process of international certificate authentication. The apostille stamp applied on the back of the requested document confirms the validity of a document, signature, stamp or seal. An apostille is issued by the competent authority in the country where the document was issued.
What is the need for apostilling documents?
The apostilization of documents authenticates public documents, simplifying the process of international document attestation and preventing the need to further legalize your documents in countries that are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention.
The process has made it easy for individuals and businesses to meet international legal requirements. It serves as a universally recognized seal of approval, making sure that a document issued in one country is accepted in another country without further authentication.
Apostille United Kingdom
The FCO legalization office UK or Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office, is the authority that attaches an apostille on UK public documents by checking whether the signatures, stamps, or seals on a document match their records. The papers may be submitted for traditional apostilling by post or courier or through an authorized company like Helpline Group in the UK that uses its expertise to facilitate the procedure.
How Helpline Group in the UK help?
Helpline Group in the UK specializes in providing notary and apostille services to clients in the UK. It assists in getting documents notarized and apostilled in the UK. With over 25 years of experience, 300+ experts, and a global presence, we assure you of reliable and expeditious notary and apostille services in the UK.