What types of documents require notarisation?

There is no definitive list of documents that always require notarisation in the UK.

The need for notarisation depends primarily on how and where the document will be used and, specifically, on the requirements of the receiving party.

However, certain types of documents are much more commonly notarised than others, particularly when they are intended for use overseas.

The following categories of documents are frequently notarised in the UK, especially when intended for use abroad:

• Powers of Attorney: Granting someone authority to act on your behalf in another country almost always requires notarisation (and often an apostille).
• Affidavits and Statutory Declarations: Sworn statements used in legal proceedings or for other official purposes often require notarisation, particularly for use overseas.
• Educational Documents (as certified copies):
  • Degree certificates
  • Diplomas
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of enrolment or graduation.
  • Note: The original educational documents are typically not directly notarised. Instead, a UK solicitor or notary public certifies a copy as a true copy of the original, and that certified copy is then notarised.
• Company Documents (often as certified copies):
  • Certificates of Incorporation.
  • Articles of Association.
  • Minutes of Meetings.
  • Resolutions.
• Identification Documents (as certified copies):
  • Passports.
  • Driving Licences.
  • Government Issued Identity Cards.
• Translations: Documents translated from one language to another often require the translator’s signature to be notarised or for a solicitor/notary to certify the translation.
• Contracts and Agreements: While not always required, notarisation can add an extra layer of authentication to contracts, especially for international business transactions.
• Documents for Property Transactions Overseas: Buying, selling, or mortgaging property in another country requires notarised documents.
• Documents for Marriage Overseas: Documents related to getting married in a foreign country may require notarisation.
• Documents for Immigration and Visa Applications: Various documents required for visa applications or residency permits may need notarisation.
• Court Documents.
• Medical Documents

• e-Apostilles: If an e-Apostille is required, the document must be a PDF electronically signed by a UK solicitor or notary public.