In cases where a document has to be used abroad, notarization might just be one of many steps to take. Most foreign authorities will also need an apostille as proof of the validity of the notary’s signature and seal. Knowing the procedure will make things easier for you.
When you search for Notary Public London, it would be beneficial for you to know when apostille and notarization services are required.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official certificate issued in the UK by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It proves the validity of the signature, seal or stamp on a document from the UK. The receiving country might require this certification before accepting the document.
The apostille will not prove the validity of the contents of the document but rather its validity.
Step 1: Get the Document Notarised
For many private documents, the initial step involves getting notarised from a competent notary public. The notary may identify your identity, witness your signature, provide certification for the document or the copy and validate the document as fit for use outside the country.
Documents that are notarized include powers of attorney, declarations, company documents, certified documents, affidavits, and documents intended for use in another country.
Notary Public London can assist you in determining the kind of notarial act needed for your document.
Step 2: See if the Document Requires an Apostille
All documents do not have to be notarized and apostilled at the same time. It all depends on the type of document, destination country and instructions from the recipient institution.
Some UK public documents may be able to get an apostille without notarisation while some documents need to be notarized first. Thus, it is always necessary to know the requirements of the overseas authority prior to undertaking the process.
Step 3: Applying for Apostille
After proper notarisation of the document, it is ready to be applied for apostille certification in case the need exists. The Legalisation Office of the UK verifies whether the particular signatures or stamps or seals can be verified from its end. Then an apostille certificate is attached to the document.
Apostille London can help clients in getting their documents legally prepared and applied for apostille especially in cases where the need of urgent documents arises for foreign use.
Step 4: Additional Legalisation May be Needed
It should be noted that apostille is used for countries accepting documents under the Hague Apostille Convention. Some countries may have their requirement for legalisation through the embassy or consulates of that country.
This implies that the complete procedure may be as follows:
Document -> Notarisation -> Apostille -> Embassy or Consular Legalisation
How Long Does the Apostille Process Take?
The time taken will depend on the type of the document and the particular service chosen. The GOV.UK website notes that paper legalisation can take 25 working days while the apostille can take 2 working days. Other types of eligible services may take other periods of time.
In case of a deadline overseas, it is recommended to begin the process as soon as possible.
Why Use Professional Apostille Services in London?
It might be difficult to know what steps must be taken before sending the documents abroad because every country has its own requirements. Professional Apostille Services can help you determine if your document requires notarization, apostille, translation or legalization.
The M M Karim Notary Public London is a provider of notary, apostille, legalisation, mobile notary, and remote electronic notarization services.
Final Comments
Apostilling after the process of notarizing a document in London becomes quite simple if the right procedure is followed. One needs to start by ascertaining the requirement of the overseas agency, arranging for the relevant notarization, getting an apostille wherever applicable, and then finding out whether there is a further need for embassy or consular legalizations.
In case you need any guidance with respect to Notary Public London, Apostille London, notarization, or legalization, then you may get professional help beforehand.
- Notary Public in London
- mmkarimnotarypubliclondon@gmail.com