A Notary Public

The role of a Notary Public (also referred to as a Notary) is unfamiliar to many people. This is probably because the need for a Notary Public is normally in relation to a transaction or requirement in another country. It is normally made very clear when such services are required..

A Notary Public might be involved in the following tasks:

• making identity checks of the client to prove they are who they say they are

 

• ensuring that the client has the requisite authority and capacity to sign the document they wish to be notarised

 

• in some cases verifying facts within the document

 

• checking that the client understands the meaning and effect of the document involved

 

• checking that the client understands the consequences of signing the document

 

• ensuring, where possible, that the document is formatted correctly for the jurisdiction it wil be used in

 

• watch the signing of the document by the client

 

• ensuring any witnesses are present to see the document signed by the client and then sign as witnesses themselves

 

• ensuring all elements of the notarial act are present

 

• for documents of two pages or more correcly binding and sealing the document

 

The regulator for Notaries in England is the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

There are around 900 practising Notaries in England and Wales.

All Notaries are appointed as a Commissioner for Oaths as well.