Remote Notarisation FAQs
As a leading provider of remote notary services in England and Wales, we're asked the same questions on a regular basis. Here are clear, straightforward answers to the ones that come up most.
Is remote notarisation legal in England and Wales?
Yes. The Faculty Office, which regulates notaries in England and Wales, permits certain notarial acts to be carried out by video call, provided defined conditions are met — including identity verification, consent to recording, and confirmation that the receiving jurisdiction will accept a remote notarisation.
What documents can be notarised remotely?
Documents where the notary's role is witnessing a signature or certifying a copy — such as powers of attorney, deeds, letters of authority, and company documents — can typically be notarised remotely, provided the receiving jurisdiction accepts this method.
What can't be notarised remotely?
Oaths and statutory declarations cannot currently be notarised remotely. These require the person making the declaration to appear in person, regardless of the underlying document type.
Do I need to be in England or Wales for a remote appointment?
Yes. You must be physically located in England or Wales at the time of the video call, even though the appointment itself takes place remotely.
How is my identity verified over video call?
The notary verifies your identity during the call, typically using identification documents shown on screen alongside other verification checks, in line with Faculty Office requirements for remote notarial acts.
Is the video call recorded?
Yes. Consent to recording is a condition of remote notarisation, and the recording is retained by the notary for a defined period as part of the regulatory requirements.
Will a remotely notarised document be accepted abroad?
It depends on the receiving country and institution. Acceptance isn't automatic, which is why we confirm this before every remote appointment rather than after.
Do I still need an apostille after remote notarisation?
If your document is going to a Hague Convention country and requires further authentication, yes — an apostille from the FCDO is arranged as a separate step after notarisation.
How much does remote notarisation cost?
Staple Inn Notaries charges a flat rate regardless of appointment type: £135 for personal documents and £150 for commercial or property matters. Apostille fees, if needed, are separate.
How quickly can I get a remote appointment?
We can usually offer same-day remote appointments, subject to availability and confirmation that your specific document and destination are suitable for remote notarisation.
Should I book remote or in-person?
This depends on your document type and its destination. Get in touch with the details and we'll confirm which appointment type is right for you.
Staple Inn Notaries
Fox Court, 14 Gray's Inn Road, Holborn, London WC1X 8HN
Tel: 020 3488 4195
Enquire: internationalnotary.co.uk/contact-us
About the Author
Sheikh Najam LLB TEP MA MBA is a Notary Public for England and Wales, European Attorney, and STEP-qualified Private Wealth and International Tax Lawyer, appointed by the Court of Faculties under Royal Authority and regulated through the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury. He is CEO of Staple Inn Notaries and serves as Vice President for Notarial Affairs and Advisory Board Member at Justinian Lawyers, the Berlin-headquartered international legal network of the Association of European Attorneys (AEA).
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