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If you have been informed that a document must be notarised you will need to engage the services of a Notary Public.

What is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public is a specialist lawyer qualified to certify, authenticate and notarise a wide range of legal and other documents for use overseas. The powers of a Notary Public in England and Wales are derived from the Archbishop of Canterbury who awards the notary with a Faculty to practice. When you consult a notary you should ask to see their Faculty as proof of their authority to act for you.

Types of documents
Types of documents we regularly prepare and notarise include: powers of attorney for use abroad, educational and other certificates, passports, foreign adoption papers, affidavits for use in courts overseas, company documents for foreign branches.

Foreign languages
Much of the work a notary does is for overseas jurisdictions. If documents are produced or required in a foreign language we can obtain translations where necessary. For many European languages we can do the work in-house and have a proficiency in French, Italian, German and Spanish.

Legalisation and consularisation
If your document requires legalisation by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and/or further consularisation by the appropriate Embassy or Consulate we can make arrangements on your behalf.

Timing
We recognise that very often time is of the essence in getting papers signed by a notary. We deliver our services in a timely and efficient manner, with the utmost level of professionalism and expertise. We offer an out of hours service where circumstances dictate extra urgency.

Personal appearance
You will be required to appear personally before the notary. If you are unable to come to our offices we can arrange to visit your home or office, subject to an additional fee. We operate in a wide area covering Hampshire, Surrey, West Sussex and London.

Proof of identity
You will need to provide proof of identity. For individuals, you will need to bring your passport or full driving licence (both parts), together with a bill or invoice no more than three months old to provide proof of your residential address. If you have any difficulties providing this proof please discuss it with us before you visit our offices to avoid any unnecessary problems. For companies, more detailed searches will be required, which we will discuss with you when you engage our services.

Advance notice
Wherever possible we ask that you send the documents to us in advance of your visit, either by post or by email using a scanner. This is in order to minimise the amount of time you will be required to wait while we prepare the document(s). You will need to bring the original documents when you come to see us and should not sign the papers until you are in our presence and directed to do so by us.

Fees
Notaries are required by the Notaries Practice Rules to advise clients in advance of doing any work of the level of their fees. For most documents our fee will be a fixed rate. In certain circumstances where the work is more complex we will advise you of our hourly rate and an estimate of the time we think it will take to complete. You will be advised of our fees in advance of the work being done and payment will be due in full upon completion. Please ensure you bring a method of payment with you. If you require a quotation in advance of sending the papers please email us at office@hampshirenotary.com.