notarial services
(c) legalisation and apostilles
There are various further formalities that may be required before a document can be used abroad.
Legalisation means getting authentication of a Notary's signature and official seal from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Foreign Embassy or Consulate. This means that they check their records to confirm that I am indeed a Notary practising with proper authority in England and Wales. This is a necessary step for many countries to ensure that a notarised document will be accepted as valid in that country.
Most countries accept a certificate from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office called an apostille, which currently costs £30.00 per document (extra if a premium service is required).
Some countries also want a certificate from their own Embassy or Consulate, often called 'consularisation' or 'legalisation'.
I will be able to advise you whether you will require an apostille or legalisation, depending on the documents and the country involved. I will also be able to advise on the costs involved and the likely time that the process will take.