What is a Notary Public?

What is a Notary Public and Why Would I Need One?

A notary public is a completely different role to that of an ordinary solicitor or qualified lawyer, and although most public notaries will have started their careers as solicitors, it requires extensive training to become a notary public, and is regarded as a separate profession.

Take a look at our notary public offerings to see how we can help you today!

What Training Does a Notary Public Need to Undertake to Be Qualified?

In order to become a notary public and carry out notarial practice, an individual must undertake special training in two courses to become qualified including the Notarial Practice Course from University College London, and the Office Practical tuition course.

Following the successful completion of these, qualified notaries who want to head into the notarial profession must undergo stringent background checks and gain a certificate of good character.

The role is regulated by the Archbishop of Canterbury and notaries are appointed after extensive training and after passing regulations relating to age, and the undertaking of particular oaths.

Why Do I Need Public Notaries?

For most notaries, the daily work undertaken commonly comprises being used to authenticate legal documents according to worldwide standards and foreign law. Many documents are often for use in other countries across the globe, so remaining impartial is an important aspect of the job.

Examples of important documents that are notarised are passports, wills, qualification certificates and deeds, and many notaries perform notarial acts that are centred around personal and company and business documents. Once a document is notarised, the notary’s seal is placed on it to confirm the authenticity.

Whether you need to notarise documents for international business or property law, authenticate a graduate diploma for international study, or certify a form of ID, in such cases, a notary public is your optimal legal service.

Additionally, a notary public can be used for acquiring international powers of attorney and for witnessing signatures on other legal documents.

What Do Scrivener Notaries Do in the Legal Profession?

A scrivener notary is a more experienced notary, with additional qualifications and knowledge of at least two foreign languages.

These notaries are authorised to issue certification in the language that they are proficient in, meaning that many scrivener notaries have a wealth of experience in working in a foreign country or on international legal matters.

Historically, scrivener notaries only operated in the City of London, but now operate throughout the legal systems in England and Wales.

Are You Looking for a Notary Public in England and Wales?

Here at Dickinson Parker Hill, we offer a wide range of notarial services including:

• witnessing signatures
• acting as a Commissioner for Oaths
• Simple certification of international documents
• Witnessing powers of attorney

Are you looking for notary public services? Contact Dickinson Parker Hill today for further information.

Looking for other legal advice? Take a look at all the services we offer, or read client testimonials relating to our other legal work.