What is a notary?

Notaries are members of the oldest order of the UK’s legal profession. They are qualified solicitors or barristers who have undertaken further training to act as notaries. Let’s look at how they are regulated, which tasks they undertake, and where you can find one if you need their services.

What functions do notaries undertake?

The principal role of a notary is to confirm the legitimacy of documents and signatures attached thereto when they are needed for use in overseas jurisdictions. These documents may be needed by individuals or companies involved in transactions abroad. Notaries are also qualified to conduct other legal affairs outside of court involving probate or property transactions. They also act as Commissioners of Oaths.

If you live in the capital, an online search for a London law firm providing notary services will produce results such as https://www.forsters.co.uk.

Who regulates notaries?

Historically, notaries were appointed under Papal discretion; today, the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Court of Faculties is the regulator. There are currently around 800 notaries in England and Wales regulated by the Master of the Faculties, Head of The Faculty Office.

A notary is deemed a secular lawyer. Although regulated by the Archbishop’s Faculty Office, notaries are not otherwise associated with either the senior Archbishop or the Church of England.

Training and the oversight of the qualification of notaries is the responsibility of the Faculty Office’s Registrar. They issue the annual practice certificates that all notaries must hold to carry out their duties.

Despite their storied history, notaries are still essential in a global legal world.

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Nina Brown