What to Bring to Your Notary Appointment

Before your documents can be notarised, our notary public must verify your identity and, where relevant, your authority to sign. This step protects you and ensures that your notarised documents are accepted by the relevant authorities both in the UK and abroad.

At Latimer Solicitors, we make the process straightforward. We’ll tell you exactly what to bring to your appointment so your notarisation can be completed efficiently and without delay.

Why Identification Matters

All notaries in England and Wales are legally required to confirm the identity and address of every client before carrying out any work. This requirement is set out under the Money Laundering Regulations 2007 and applies to both individuals and businesses.

Verifying identity helps to:

• Prevent fraud, forgery, and misuse of legal documents
  
  
• Protect you from unauthorised activity in your name
  
  
• Ensure your documents are legally valid for use abroad
  
  

If you arrive without the correct identification, your notarisation may need to be postponed, so it’s important to prepare in advance.

What to Bring – Individual Clients

Please bring two forms of identification to your appointment:

1. Proof of Identity

One of the following:

• Valid passport
  
  
• Current photo driving licence
  
  

2. Proof of Address

One of the following (issued within the last three months):

• Bank or building society statement
  
  
• Utility bill (gas, electricity, water, or broadband)
  
  
• Council tax bill
  
  
• HMRC or Inland Revenue correspondence
  
  

These documents must show your full name and current residential address. Electronic copies or screenshots are not accepted unless specifically agreed in advance.

What to Bring – Company or Organisation Clients

If the notarisation is being carried out on behalf of a company, partnership, or organisation, we’ll need additional information to verify authority. Please bring:

• Identification for the individual signing (as above)
  
  
• Certificate of incorporation or partnership agreement
  
  
• Board resolution or letter of authority confirming who is authorised to sign
  
  
• Company letterhead or official documentation linking the signatory to the organisation
  
  

Our notary will advise in advance if any additional paperwork is required for your particular transaction or jurisdiction.

Additional Preparation Tips

To make your appointment as smooth as possible:

• Bring the original document you need notarised (not a photocopy)
  
  
• Do not sign any documents before your appointment, as the notary must witness your signature
  
  
• If your document is in a foreign language, let us know beforehand — we can arrange a translation if required
  
  
• Check whether your document also needs an apostille or embassy legalisation (we can handle this for you)
  
  
• If multiple people need to sign, ensure all signatories attend with their own identification
  
  

Following these simple steps helps us finalise your notarisation quickly and correctly.

Why Choose Latimer Solicitors?

• Experienced notary public providing services across England and Wales
  
  
• Clear, practical guidance to help you prepare for your appointment
  
  
• Full compliance with legal and regulatory standards
  
  
• Support for individuals, families, and businesses
  
  
• Professional, approachable service with transparent fees
  
  

We make notarisation simple by helping you prepare the right documents and identification in advance.