How do I get a document notarised?

To get a UK document notarised, particularly for international use requiring an apostille or legalisation, you can either use an apostille agency (like us) for a complete, hassle-free service, or you can find an FCDO-registered notary public directly and handle the subsequent steps (if any) yourself.

This is often the easiest and most convenient option, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process or need additional services like apostilles or legalisation.

How it works:

1. Contact the agency: You contact the apostille agency (online, by phone, or in person) and provide details about your document, the destination country, and whether you need an e-apostille or a paper apostille.
2. Document submission: You provide the agency with the document. This might involve:
   • Uploading a scanned copy (for initial review and often for e-apostilles).
   • Sending the original document by post (especially for paper apostilles or if the notary needs to see the original).
3. Notarisation (handled by the agency): The agency arranges the document to be notarised by a UK-registered solicitor or notary public. They have established relationships with notaries familiar with apostille requirements and legalisation.
4. Apostille/legalisation (optional): The agency can also handle the subsequent steps of obtaining an apostille from the FCDO and, if necessary, legalisation at the relevant embassy.
5. Document return: The agency returns the notarised (and apostilled/legalised, if applicable) document to you.

Benefits:

• Convenience: The agency handles all the steps, saving time and effort.
• Expertise: Agencies are familiar with the requirements for different countries and document types.
• Efficiency: Agencies often have streamlined processes and established relationships with notaries and the FCDO, leading to faster turnaround times.
• One-stop shop: You can get notarisation, apostille, and legalisation services all in one place.

This option is suitable if you only need notarisation and are comfortable handling the apostille/legalisation process yourself (or don’t need those additional services).

How it works:

1. Find a notary: Use the Notaries Society website or other online directories to find a UK-registered notary public near you. Ensure they are familiar with document legalisation and, if needed, e-apostilles.
2. Contact the notary: Contact the notary directly to discuss your needs, get a quote, and schedule an appointment (or arrange for remote notarisation).
3. Provide documents and ID: Provide the notary with the document to be notarised and your identification (original passport or driving licence, plus proof of address).
4. Notarisation: The notary will verify your identity, witness your signature (if required), certify the document (if required), and add their notarial certificate, signature, and seal. For e-apostilles, this will involve a qualified electronic signature on a PDF.
5. Handle apostille/legalisation yourself (if needed): If you need an apostille or legalisation, you will then need to handle this yourself, submitting the notarised document to the FCDO and/or the relevant embassy.

Benefits:

• Potentially lower cost (for notarisation only): If you only need notarisation and are comfortable handling the apostille/legalisation yourself, this might be slightly cheaper than a full-service agency.
• Direct contact: You have direct communication with the notary.

• Choose an apostille agency if: You want a convenient, all-in-one service; you need an apostille or legalisation in addition to notarisation; you’re unfamiliar with the process; or you want to save time.
• Choose a notary directly if: You only need notarisation (no apostille or legalisation), you’re comfortable handling the FCDO application yourself, and you want potentially lower costs for just the notarial act.