What Documents Can Be Notarised Online in the UK? A Complete Guide
What Is Online Notarisation?
Online notarisation (also known as remote online notarisation) allows a qualified notary public to verify your identity, witness the signing of documents where appropriate, and complete the notarial certification through a secure live video appointment.
The process generally includes:
- Identity verification
- Review of the document
- Confirmation that the signer understands the document
- Witnessing the signature where required
- Completion of the notarial certificate
- Advice on any additional legalisation requirements
This enables many documents to be notarised remotely while maintaining professional standards and legal safeguards.
Personal Documents That Can Often Be Notarised Online
Many personal legal documents may be suitable for online notarisation.
These include:
Powers of Attorney
A Power of Attorney authorises another individual to act on your behalf for financial, legal, or personal matters.
These documents are commonly used for:
- Property transactions
- Managing overseas assets
- Financial matters
- Family matters
- Business representation
Many Powers of Attorney intended for overseas use require notarisation before they will be accepted.
Affidavits
Affidavits are written statements made under oath or affirmation and are commonly required for:
- Court proceedings
- Immigration applications
- Family law matters
- Overseas legal proceedings
Depending on the destination country, an Apostille may also be required.
Statutory Declarations
Statutory declarations are formal statements confirming that certain information is true.
They are frequently used for:
- Name changes
- Lost documents
- Property matters
- Immigration applications
- Probate matters
Certified Copies of Documents
Rather than submitting original documents overseas, organisations may request certified copies.
Examples include:
- Passports
- Driving licences
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Academic qualifications
- Utility bills
- Identification documents
A notary can certify that the copy is a true copy of the original document where appropriate.
Business Documents That Can Often Be Notarised Online
Companies conducting international business frequently require notarised corporate documents.
These may include:
- Certificate of Incorporation
- Articles of Association
- Memorandum of Association
- Certificates of Good Standing
- Board Resolutions
- Shareholder Resolutions
- Company Powers of Attorney
- Commercial agreements
- Director declarations
- Certified company documents
- Corporate affidavits
Many overseas authorities require these documents before allowing businesses to register, trade, or complete financial transactions.
Property Documents
Property transactions involving overseas jurisdictions often require notarised documentation.
Examples include:
- Property Powers of Attorney
- Sale and purchase documents
- Mortgage-related documents
- Land registry forms
- Property declarations
The receiving country’s legal requirements will determine whether notarisation alone is sufficient or whether additional legalisation is needed.
Educational Documents
Individuals studying or working abroad may need educational documents notarised or certified.
Examples include:
- Degree certificates
- Diplomas
- Academic transcripts
- Professional qualifications
- Training certificates
In many cases, these documents also require an Apostille before being accepted overseas.
Immigration and Visa Documents
Immigration authorities may request notarised documents to support applications.
Examples include:
- Identity declarations
- Sponsorship documents
- Financial declarations
- Consent letters
- Supporting affidavits
Requirements vary depending on the country and the type of immigration application.
Commercial and International Trade Documents
Businesses involved in international trade may require notarisation for:
- Agency agreements
- Distribution agreements
- Export documentation
- Commercial invoices
- Certificates relating to overseas transactions
- International contracts
These documents may also require legalisation depending on the destination country.
Can Every Document Be Notarised Online?
Not necessarily.
Whether a document can be notarised online depends on several factors, including:
- The nature of the document
- The legal requirements governing its execution
- The country where it will be used
- The receiving authority’s requirements
- Whether remote notarisation is appropriate for that document
If you’re unsure, it’s advisable to seek professional guidance before arranging your appointment.
Do Online Notarised Documents Need an Apostille?
Sometimes.
If the document is intended for use in another country, the receiving authority may require an Apostille issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) after notarisation.
The Apostille confirms the authenticity of the notary’s signature for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Learn more about Apostille services:
What If My Documents Are Being Used Outside the Hague Convention?
If your documents are intended for a country that is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, additional legalisation through the relevant embassy or consulate may be required.
Depending on the destination country, you may also need:
- Embassy legalisation
- Consular authentication
- Certified translations
- Additional supporting documentation
Requirements vary, so it’s important to check before submitting your documents.
What You'll Need Before Your Online Appointment
To help ensure the notarisation process runs smoothly, you should generally have:
- Valid government-issued photo identification
- The complete document to be notarised
- Any supporting documentation requested by the notary
- A reliable internet connection
- A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone
- A quiet, well-lit environment for the video appointment
Preparing in advance helps reduce delays and allows the notary to complete the verification process efficiently.
Benefits of Online Notarisation
Online notarisation offers several advantages for both individuals and businesses.
These include:
- Greater convenience without travelling to a notary’s office
- Faster document preparation
- Secure identity verification
- Flexible appointments from almost anywhere
- Reduced administrative delays
- Support for international document requirements
- Efficient preparation for Apostille or further legalisation
These benefits make online notarisation an increasingly popular option for clients with both domestic and international legal needs.
How eNotary Public UK Can Help
At eNotary Public UK, we provide secure online notarisation for a wide range of personal, corporate, and international documents.
Our team can assist with:
- Powers of Attorney
- Affidavits
- Statutory declarations
- Certified copies
- Company documents
- Commercial agreements
- Educational documents
- Property documentation
- Guidance on Apostille and international legalisation requirements
Whether you’re preparing documents for personal use, overseas employment, business expansion, or international legal matters, we aim to provide a professional and efficient service tailored to your needs.
Get Your Documents Ready for International Use
Online notarisation has made the authentication of legal documents more accessible, allowing individuals and businesses to complete many notarial formalities remotely. While the types of documents that can be notarised online vary depending on legal and international requirements, a wide range of personal, corporate, educational, and commercial documents can often be handled through a secure online appointment.
At eNotary Public UK, we guide clients through every stage of the process, from identity verification and document review to advice on Apostille and further legalisation where required. If you’re unsure whether your document can be notarised online, our experienced team can help you determine the most appropriate solution for your specific circumstances.
Our eNotary Services
Whether you’re an individual or a business, we offer a range of enotarisation solutions designed to meet your specific needs.
Sign and notarise documents online through a secure and easy-to-use platform, recognised and legally valid in many jurisdictions.
Our eApostille service ensures your documents are certified for international use quickly, securely, and entirely online, saving you time and effort.
We offer specialised notarisation services for businesses, including contracts, agreements, and other corporate documents.
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