What Notarisation Usually Involves
The first step is to check what the receiving organisation requires. Different documents may need notarisation, witnessing, or a certified copy, and the wording on the document can affect the process.
You will usually need to bring the original document and valid identification. If a signature must be witnessed, it should be signed in the notary's presence unless the document instructions say otherwise.
Clear steps for documents that need a notary public
A notary public helps confirm identity, witness signatures, and certify copies for use in the UK and abroad.
For certified copies, the notary compares the copy with the original and confirms that it is a true copy. This is often used for passports, academic records, company papers, and other supporting documents.
If a document is intended for use outside the UK, additional legalisation may be needed after notarisation. A notary can explain the next step, but the final requirements depend on the destination and the receiving authority.