PREPARING FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

We will want to see all relevant papers, documents  and instructions that relate to your notarial matter prior to providing you with a fee quote and in advance of an appointment.  Forwarding papers to us by email is generally the most straightforward approach.

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Identification

Evidencing your identity to your notary is crucial.

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Individuals - evidencing your ID and proof of address is essential

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1. You must bring to your appointment your current valid passport or driving licence.

2. You must also bring a recent (i.e. less than 3 months old) council tax, utility (electricity/gas/water) bill or bank statement showing your name and address. This statement must have been physically posted through your letter box (not sent to you via email).

3. Please note that photocopies or copies printed from emails etc are unacceptable.  

 

Companies and Organisations – evidencing your personal identity as well as certain information about the company or organisation is essential

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1. For business clients, notaries must (in addition to checking your personal identity) establish that the company or organisation you represent exists and, in many cases, that you are authorised to represent that company or organisation.

2. For companies or organisations based in the UK, the notary will check that the company or organisation exists.  In some cases (e.g. partnerships or companies/organisations established overseas) you may be asked to produce a certificate of incorporation, good standing certificate or similar.

3. If the notary is obliged to certify your authority to represent the company or organisation, additional documentation will be requested, for example:- Constitutional documents (e.g. memorandum and articles of association), Power of Attorney, Board Minute/Resolution, Authorised signatory book or similar. 

4. Usually two Directors, or one Director and the Company Secretary are required to personally attend to sign company document(s).

 

Understanding your document(s) - We need to be satisfied that you understand the meaning and effect of your document(s).  Please ensure you have read it and understood it before you attend the appointment.

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If you have any queries about the document then you will usually need to raise these queries with the lawyer/person who drew up the document, not the notary.

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If a document is not in English, then we will usually need to see a certified translation.  If you do not have a certified translation, we can arrange this for and will confirm our fees in advance.