What Is a Notary?
A notary is a qualified lawyer authorised to verify, certify, and authenticate documents for use in the UK and abroad. Clients may need a notary when signing documents to be recognised overseas, proving identity or authority for property or business transactions, or certifying academic, professional, and personal certificates. Notaries also prepare and certify powers of attorney for use in other jurisdictions. Without a notary’s seal, banks, courts, and overseas authorities may reject documents, often leading to delay and additional cost.
Our Notary Services
For Individuals
- Certification of passports and identity documents.
- Powers of attorney for overseas property or financial matters, including bilingual drafts.
- Marriage, birth, and academic certificates.
- Affidavits, statutory declarations, and sworn statements.
- Consent to travel letters for minors.
- Property and inheritance documents for use outside the UK.
For Businesses
- Company incorporation papers.
- Shareholder agreements and board resolutions.
- Certificates of good standing and corporate registers.
- Directors’ signatures and agency appointments.
- Commercial contracts, IP assignments, and distributorships.
- Cross-border banking and security documents.
- Shipping and trade documents, including certificates of origin and invoices.
- Bilingual packs in Portuguese, French, or Spanish for international deals, with notarised translator declarations where required.
Apostille and Consular Legalisation
Many countries require further steps after notarisation. Where needed, we:
- Obtain the FCDO apostille.
- Manage consular legalisation.
- Handle couriering and tracking from start to finish.
We provide clear guidance on standard and expedited routes and confirm all costs in advance.
Legal Translations and Multilingual Support
We arrange certified, notarised, and sworn translations, depending on what the destination country requires. Wilson’s multilingual expertise, with particular focus on Portuguese, French, and Spanish, ensures clarity and compliance. This service includes bilingual drafting of documents such as powers of attorney, reducing the risk of rejection abroad.
Why Choose Lewis Nedas Law for Notary Services?
Clients choose Lewis Nedas Law for our established reputation and professional recognition. We are ranked in Chambers UK, Legal 500, and The Times Best Law Firms 2026. With more than 40 years of experience in complex cases, we bring the same precision to notarial services. With Wilson Soares acting as both litigator and notary, clients gain additional assurance that documents are drafted and executed with legal context in mind. His multilingual capability allows us to work effectively across borders. Our use of secure systems supports a fast, confidential service from start to finish.
Multilingual Capability
Wilson’s ability to work directly in Portuguese, French, and Spanish is a significant advantage for clients needing notarised documents for use in those jurisdictions. It enables us to liaise with foreign lawyers and consulates, prepare bilingual drafts, and arrange certified translations where required.
Recognition and Client Confidence
Independent directories consistently rank Lewis Nedas Law among London’s leading firms. Clients can rely on us to prepare notarial documents that meet foreign requirements. From identity verification to apostille and translation, our service ensures your paperwork is valid and accepted.
Typical Documents We Handle
- Passports, driving licences, and certified copies.
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates.
- Academic and professional qualifications.
- Powers of attorney and statutory declarations.
- Incorporation documents, resolutions, and company certificates.
- Commercial contracts, financial agreements, and IP assignments.
- Shipping, trade, and property-related documents for overseas use.
What to Bring
- Passport or UK photo driving licence.
- Proof of address dated within three months.
- For companies: incorporation details, authority evidence such as a board resolution, and signatory ID.
- Any instructions or formatting requirements from the overseas recipient.
Fees
We provide transparent, fixed quotes before starting work. Fees depend on the type and number of documents, number of signatories, and any translation, apostille, or consular steps. Disbursements such as FCDO and consular fees, as well as courier charges, are billed at cost.
Regulation
Notarial services in England and Wales are regulated by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Details of our professional indemnity insurance and complaints procedure are available on request.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Notary Services
Do I need an apostille?
Many countries do, especially Hague Convention members. We confirm whether an FCDO apostille and consular legalisation are required.
What is the difference between certified and notarised translations?
A certified translation carries a translator’s signed certificate, which may be sufficient in the UK or EU. A notarised translation involves a translator’s declaration witnessed by a notary. Some jurisdictions require sworn translators. We advise on the correct route and arrange apostille or legalisation where necessary.
Can you work directly with Portuguese, French, or Spanish documents?
Yes. We regularly prepare, translate, and notarise documents in these languages, and handle the associated apostille and consular legalisation.
How long does legalisation take?
Notarisation itself is often completed the same day. Apostille and consular times vary by authority. We provide both standard and expedited routes with full tracking.
Can you prepare the document for me?
Yes. As solicitors and notaries, we can draft bilingual powers of attorney, declarations, and standard notarial certificates, or follow a foreign lawyer’s format.
Do you offer mobile or out-of-hours appointments?
Yes. Evening and on-site appointments across London are available by arrangement for an additional fee.
What ID do you accept?
A passport or UK photo driving licence, plus recent proof of address. For company signings, we also require evidence of the signatory’s authority.
Contact Us for Notary Services in London
If you need a notary public in London, contact Lewis Nedas Law today. Call 020 7387 2032 or use our online contact form to arrange a confidential appointment. We offer same-day appointments, mobile visits on request, and multilingual expertise so your documents are ready for use abroad.
