Why is a Notary important?

Posted on 29th May 2025

A Notary Public plays a critical role in the verification and certification of documents, ensuring they are valid and accepted for both legal and international purposes. When dealing with documents intended for use abroad—such as a Power of Attorney, affidavits, or ID1 forms—it’s essential that they are properly notarised to confirm their authenticity.

The notary’s responsibility begins with establishing the identity of the individual signing the document. This involves reviewing official identification, verifying the signatory’s understanding of the content, and witnessing the signature in person. Once satisfied, the notary will add their formal attestation, signature, and seal to the document. This process provides legal assurance that the document is genuine and trustworthy.

In many situations, notarisation is not the final step. For a Power of Attorney and other legal documents to be officially recognised abroad, they must also be legalised with an apostille certificate issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The apostille confirms the notary’s credentials and validates the document for use in countries that are part of the Hague Convention.

Notarial services are essential for handling cross-border transactions, and both individuals and businesses rely on them when managing overseas legal matters. Whether you’re dealing with property abroad, managing international estates, or representing a company overseas, the process must be handled correctly from the start.

At Apostille Direct London, we make it easy to get your documents notarised and legalised efficiently and correctly. Whether it’s a Power of Attorney or another critical document, our team ensures the entire process is smooth, reliable, and fully compliant with legal standards.

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