Can a Power of Attorney Be Notarised Online in England?
- S Najam
- Jul 30
- 4 min read
Updated for 2026
If you need to use a Power of Attorney overseas, you may be wondering whether it can be notarised online rather than attending a notary's office in person.
The answer is yes—in many cases, a Power of Attorney may be suitable for remote notarisation, provided the legal and regulatory requirements are satisfied. However, the answer is not the same for every document or every country.
Whether your Power of Attorney can be notarised remotely depends on a number of factors, including the purpose of the document, the country where it will be used, and whether the notary is satisfied that the identity of the signatory, the integrity of the document and all professional requirements can be met through a secure online process.
At Staple Inn Notaries, we advise clients throughout England and Wales and internationally on whether their documents are suitable for remote notarisation and guide them through the process from beginning to end.
What Is a Power of Attorney?
A Power of Attorney is a legal document by which one person (the donor) authorises another person (the attorney) to act on their behalf.
For international purposes, Powers of Attorney are commonly used for:
purchasing or selling overseas property;
managing overseas bank accounts;
incorporating or administering companies;
signing commercial contracts;
dealing with inheritance and probate matters;
handling litigation abroad;
representing individuals before foreign authorities; and
managing financial or personal affairs while the donor is overseas.
Many overseas authorities require the Power of Attorney to be notarised before it will be accepted.
Can It Be Notarised Online?
In many circumstances, yes.
English notaries may carry out remote notarisation where it is appropriate to do so and where the applicable professional requirements are satisfied.
Before agreeing to proceed remotely, the notary will consider matters such as:
whether the document is suitable for remote notarisation;
whether the receiving country is likely to accept a remotely notarised document;
whether your identity can be verified to the required standard;
whether the document can be signed electronically or requires a wet-ink signature; and
whether there are any legal reasons requiring a face-to-face appointment.
Each matter is considered individually because no two transactions are identical.
What Will I Need?
Before your appointment, you will normally be asked to provide:
the draft Power of Attorney;
your passport;
proof of your residential address;
any supporting instructions received from the overseas lawyer or authority; and
details of the country in which the document will be used.
Providing these documents in advance enables the notary to review the matter before the appointment and identify any issues that may require attention.
How Does the Online Appointment Work?
Remote notarisation is designed to be straightforward while maintaining the same professional safeguards expected of every English notary.
A typical appointment involves:
Step 1 – Book Your Appointment
Choose a convenient appointment using our online booking calendar.
Step 2 – Send Your Documents
Email your draft document together with your identification documents before the appointment.
Step 3 – Video Consultation
At the agreed time, you will attend a secure video appointment with the notary.
During the meeting, your identity will be verified, your understanding of the document confirmed and, where appropriate, your signature witnessed.
Step 4 – Completion of the Notarial Certificate
Once all requirements have been satisfied, the notarial certificate will be prepared.
Where appropriate, the document may then proceed for an electronic Apostille or further legalisation.
Will Every Country Accept Remote Notarisation?
Not necessarily.
Different countries have different legal requirements.
Some authorities readily accept electronically notarised documents, while others continue to insist upon traditional paper documents bearing an original notarial seal.
For this reason, we always recommend confirming the requirements of the receiving authority before proceeding.
Where appropriate, we can assist in determining whether remote notarisation is likely to be accepted for your intended purpose.
Can I Still Book a Face-to-Face Appointment?
Absolutely.
Some documents are more suitable for an in-person meeting, while some clients simply prefer to attend personally.
Staple Inn Notaries offers both traditional appointments in Central London and, where appropriate, remote online appointments.
If a face-to-face appointment is required, we will explain the reasons and arrange a convenient time.
Why Choose Staple Inn Notaries?
We provide professional notarial services to:
private individuals;
companies;
solicitors;
accountants;
financial advisers;
overseas lawyers; and
international businesses.
Whether your document requires notarisation, Apostille or embassy legalisation, we aim to make the process as efficient and straightforward as possible while ensuring compliance with the professional standards governing English notaries.
Book Your Online Notary Appointment
If your Power of Attorney is suitable for remote notarisation, booking an appointment takes only a few moments.
Simply choose a convenient date and time using our online booking calendar.
Book your appointment here:
If, after reviewing your documents, we conclude that a personal appointment is required, we will advise you before the appointment takes place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can every Power of Attorney be notarised online?
No. Each matter is assessed individually. Suitability depends on the document, the receiving jurisdiction and whether all regulatory requirements for remote notarisation can be satisfied.
Will I need an Apostille?
Many overseas authorities require a Hague Apostille in addition to notarisation. We can advise whether this applies to your document.
Can I arrange everything from overseas?
In many cases, yes. We regularly assist clients living outside the United Kingdom who require documents to be notarised for international use.
How long does the appointment take?
Most appointments take approximately 20 to 30 minutes, although more complex commercial matters may require additional time.
About Staple Inn Notaries
Staple Inn Notaries is a Central London notarial practice providing professional notarial services to individuals, businesses and international organisations. We advise on notarisation, Apostilles, embassy legalisation and cross-border legal documentation, offering both traditional appointments and, where appropriate, remote online notarisation. Our objective is to provide an efficient, responsive and professional service to clients throughout England and Wales and internationally.
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