Despite its potential benefits, there is no comprehensive rule or provision in the UK that distinctly delineates the types of documents a notary public is authorised to certify.

The fundamental principle, however, remains that the document in question must possess some level of legal significance and be relied upon by another party. For instance, powers of attorney are frequently encountered documents certified by notaries public, as they hold significant legal weight. Conversely, items such as works of art do not align with this criterion and are not typically subject to notarial certification. In the context of this overarching principle, a London Notary Public must diligently assess whether any fraud, violence, or other illegal activities, such as money laundering or tax evasion, are involved. In the event of such concerns, the notary must decline to act and, where necessary, liaise with the appropriate authorities, including the police or the UK’s National Crime Agency.

Documents eligible for notarisation can generally be categorised into two primary groups:

NOTARY PUBLIC WITNESSES AND CERTIFIES SIGNATURES: This category encompasses documents where a Notary Public directly witnesses a signature being executed. This could encompass various scenarios, ranging from a private client granting a deed of gift, where the notary certifies the signature, identity, and capacity of the person making the gift, to a company trade mark assignment, where the London Notary Public attests to the signature, identity of the appearing party, legal status of the represented company, capacity to enter into such agreements, signatory’s authority, and the valid execution of the document.

PROVISION OF A CERTIFICATE: The second group pertains to documents that can be issued by notaries without requiring any party to sign in their presence. Examples include providing a certificate of law or notarising a UK-registered company’s memorandum and articles of association following an examination of the relevant files at Companies House.

While there exists no exhaustive list enumerating the documents that can be notarised, common examples frequently attested by notaries include:

• Statutory Declarations and Affidavits
• Powers of Attorney
• Corporate Minutes and Resolutions
• Deeds of Transfer of Title
• Share Purchase Agreements
• Loan and Finance Agreements and Certified Copies
• Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates
• Passport Copies
• Bid and Tender Documents

London Notaries possess a wealth of expertise regarding which documents can be certified and the requisite procedures. Often, notaries with familiarity in specific subject areas can offer guidance on document nature, drafting, and execution. Additionally, when notarising documents for use in foreign jurisdictions, notarial services typically entail legalisation services. Documents intended for international use often necessitate legalisation by apostille at the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office, and if required, subsequent legalisation at a specific consulate or embassy.