A UK Notary Public has a strict legal duty to verify the identity of anyone whose signature they are witnessing or whose document they are certifying, regardless of whether legalisation is also required.

This is a fundamental part of preventing fraud and maintaining the integrity of the notarial act. Therefore, they will always require strong, verifiable identification.

Photocopies, digital images, or expired documents are never accepted. The notary must see the original, current, and valid documents.

Failing to provide the correct ID will delay the process and could lead to the notarisation being refused.

Here’s what you need to know:

The notary’s duty:

A UK Notary Public has a legal duty to be absolutely certain of the identity of anyone whose signature they are witnessing or whose document they are certifying. This is to prevent fraud and uphold the integrity of the notarial act. Because of this, notaries are very strict about identification.

General requirements:

  • Original documents ONLY: Notaries always require original identification documents. Photocopies, scans, printouts from websites, or digital images on a phone or tablet are never accepted. 
  • Current and valid: All IDs must be current and valid (not expired).
  • Name matching: The name on your ID must match the name on the notarised document. If the name changes (e.g., due to marriage), you must provide additional documentation linking the names (e.g., original marriage certificate, deed poll). 

Standard identification (Always required):

The notary will almost always require both of the following:

Photographic ID (Primary ID):

  • A current, valid passport (of any nationality) is the preferred and most widely accepted form of ID.
  • Current, valid UK photocard driving licence (full or provisional): This is usually accepted, but some notaries may require a passport in addition to the driving licence, not as a replacement. Always check beforehand with the notary (or with us if we arrange the notarisation). 

Proof of address (Secondary ID): This must be separate from your photo ID and show your current residential address. Acceptable documents usually include:

  • The original utility bill (gas, electricity, water, landline phone—not mobile phone) must be dated within the last three months.
  • Original council tax bill (current year).
  • Original bank or building society statement (dated within the last 3 months). Online printouts are generally not accepted; the notary usually requires an original statement sent by post.
  • Original mortgage statement (recent).

Remote notarisation:

If you use a remote notarisation service (video call), the notary will still need to see the original ID documents on camera.

They will provide specific instructions.