Notary Public

At Biscoes, we provide professional and reliable notarial services to individuals across Hampshire and the South Coast. Whether you require a Notary signature for an important transaction, certification of documents for international use, or assistance with cross-border legal matters, our Notaries offer a trusted and efficient service.

Our team understands that many notarial matters are time-sensitive and require meticulous attention to detail. We are here to help you manage the process with clarity and professionalism, ensuring that your documents are prepared and authenticated within the appropriate timeline.

We offer a wide range of notarial services, including:

• Authenticating Personal Documents and Information for Use Abroad
• Witnessing and Certifying Signatures on Legal Documents
• Certifying Copies of Passports, Qualifications, and Other Important Documents
• Completing Powers of Attorney for Use Overseas
• Certifying Academic Documents for Overseas Employment or Study
• Assisting with Documents for Property Purchases or Sales Abroad
• Providing Notarised Documents for Marriage or Adoption Abroad

Speak to our Notaries Public today

If you would like to contact one of our Notaries Public in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, please call 02392 660261. Alternatively, please fill out this simple contact form, and we will respond promptly.

Why choose Biscoes for Notary Public services?

Our Notaries Public combine legal expertise with efficiency and a commitment to client care. We understand the importance of accuracy and timeliness when dealing with notarial documents, particularly where international deadlines must be met.

With extensive experience across a variety of personal matters, we provide reassurance that your documents are properly prepared. No matter your Notary Public needs, we are here to help you manage legal requirements smoothly.

Details relating to our fees and regulatory information can be found here.

Our Notary Public services

Authenticating personal documents and information for use abroad

Many overseas authorities require personal documents such as identity documents to be formally authenticated. Our Notaries Public check the validity of these documents, confirm your identity, and provide notarisation so that they are accepted internationally. This ensures that your paperwork is recognised by foreign governments, employers, or institutions.

Witnessing and certifying signatures on legal documents

When signing an important legal document for use abroad, a Notary Public can witness your signature and certify that it is genuine. This may include contracts, affidavits, declarations, or consent forms. Our solicitors provide a professional service to give assurance that your signature is valid and the document meets international requirements.

Certifying copies of passports, qualifications, and other important documents

Often, you may be asked to provide a certified copy of a passport, driving licence, or qualification certificate instead of the original. We can certify copies as true and accurate, ensuring that they are acceptable to overseas authorities. This is particularly useful for visa applications, employment checks, or university admissions abroad.

Preparing powers of attorney for use overseas

If you need someone to act on your behalf in another country, you may be required to grant them power of attorney. We notarise powers of attorney, which is particularly important for property transactions, financial matters, or legal representation abroad.

Certifying academic documents for overseas employment or study

If you are planning to study or work abroad, you may need to provide notarised copies of your academic transcripts, diplomas, or professional qualifications. We certify academic documents so that universities, employers, and licensing bodies abroad can recognise your achievements without question.

Assisting with documents for property purchases or sales abroad

Buying or selling property abroad often requires notarised documentation, including contracts, mortgage deeds, and proof of identity. We assist clients with notarising these documents, making sure they meet legal requirements and helping the transaction proceed smoothly.

Providing notarised documents for marriage or adoption abroad

If you are marrying or adopting a child overseas, the authorities may require notarised documents such as single status declarations or adoption papers. Our solicitors ensure that these are properly notarised so that your personal milestones can proceed without unnecessary delay.

Frequently asked questions about Notary Public services

What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is someone who has completed additional specialist training to certify, authenticate, and prepare documents for international use. The role is centuries old, and Notaries are recognised worldwide as impartial witnesses to the signing of important documents.

Notary Public services are typically required for documents that need to be sent overseas, such as property transactions, documents, or powers of attorney. Our Notaries provide a thorough service, making sure that all legal and procedural requirements are satisfied.

This means that a document notarised by a Notary Public in England and Wales can usually be relied upon in foreign jurisdictions, once legalised if necessary.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is responsible for verifying the authenticity of signatures, certifying documents, and ensuring that documents are valid for international use. Their duties include carefully checking identification and ensuring that no one is being pressured into signing.

They must act impartially, meaning they cannot favour one party over another. Notaries are also responsible for maintaining proper records of their work, which may be needed as evidence in the future. In short, their responsibility is to provide certainty and trust in legal documents used internationally.

How much does a Notary Public charge for their services?

Fees vary depending on the complexity and number of documents involved. For instance, a straightforward passport certification may cost far less than preparing and notarising a lengthy power of attorney intended for overseas use. If additional steps such as legalisation or translation are required, these may increase the overall cost.

What happens if a Notary Public makes a mistake?

If a mistake occurs, it may affect the validity of the document. For example, an incorrect date, a missing signature, or an improperly applied seal could mean that the document is rejected by overseas authorities.

Notaries carry professional indemnity insurance to cover such errors. Biscoes is meticulous with our care taken to minimise this risk. We check documents thoroughly before finalising them, and if an error is found, we will take immediate steps to correct it.

What identification do I need to present to a Notary Public?

You will usually need to bring a valid passport or photo driving licence, together with proof of address such as a recent utility bill or bank statement.

What is an Apostille and when is it required?

An Apostille is an official certificate issued by the UK government confirming that a Notary’s signature and seal are genuine. It is usually required where documents are being sent to countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Without an Apostille, some countries may refuse to accept notarised documents. We can guide you through the process of obtaining an Apostille quickly and efficiently.

How long does the notarisation process take?

Simple documents can often be notarised in a single appointment. More complex matters, particularly those requiring legalisation by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or a foreign embassy, may take longer.

Timescales also depend on whether translations are needed or whether documents must be couriered internationally. We will advise you of expected timescales at the outset so that you can plan accordingly.

Do notary services cover both personal and business matters?

Yes. We regularly assist individuals with personal matters such as powers of attorney, academic certificates, and adoption documents. We also support businesses by notarising contracts, verifying company records, and authenticating trade documents.

Can a Notary Public act as a witness to any type of document?

Notaries can witness most types of documents, provided the individual has the legal capacity to sign. However, some documents may require additional steps. For example, a document in a foreign language may require translation before notarisation.

Speak to our Notaries Public today

If you would like to contact one of our Notaries Public in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, please call 02392 660261. Alternatively, please fill out this simple contact form, and we will respond promptly.