What Documents Can Be Notarised Remotely in England? A Guide to Online Notary Services
- S Najam
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Remote notarisation has transformed the way many individuals and businesses access notarial services. Instead of travelling to a notary's office, eligible documents can, in appropriate circumstances, be notarised through a secure online appointment.
This can save considerable time, particularly for clients living overseas, professionals with demanding schedules, or businesses requiring urgent notarisation.
However, not every document can be notarised remotely. Whether remote notarisation is available depends on the type of document, the legal requirements of England and Wales, the country where the document will be used, and whether the notary is satisfied that all regulatory requirements can be met. The Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury has published guidance to assist notaries when determining whether remote notarisation is appropriate.
What Documents May Be Suitable for Remote Notarisation?
Subject to the circumstances of each case, documents that may be suitable for remote notarisation include:
Powers of Attorney;
Company documents and corporate resolutions;
Certificates of Incorporation and other Companies House documents;
Certificates of Good Standing;
Certified copies of passports and identity documents;
Certified copies of university degrees and academic certificates;
DBS and ACRO Police Certificates;
Certified copies of court orders and divorce documents;
Letters of authority;
Commercial agreements; and
Various electronic documents intended for international use.
Each matter is assessed individually to ensure that remote notarisation is appropriate and that the receiving authority will accept the document in its electronic or remotely notarised form.
Which Documents Cannot Normally Be Notarised Remotely?
Certain documents continue to require a face-to-face appointment because of legal or regulatory requirements.
These commonly include:
Affidavits;
Statutory Declarations;
Oaths; and
any other document where the law requires the individual to appear personally before the notary.
If an in-person appointment is required, I will explain this at the outset and arrange a convenient appointment.
How Does Remote Notarisation Work?
The process is designed to be straightforward while maintaining the same high standards of identity verification and fraud prevention expected of every English notary.
A typical remote notarisation involves:
Booking an online appointment.
Providing copies of your identification documents in advance.
Supplying the document requiring notarisation.
Attending a secure video consultation.
Verifying your identity and, where required, witnessing your electronic signature.
Preparing the electronic notarial certificate.
Arranging an electronic Apostille where appropriate.
Every matter is handled in accordance with the applicable professional requirements governing notaries in England and Wales.
International Acceptance
Before proceeding with remote notarisation, it is important to establish whether the organisation or authority receiving your document will accept an electronically notarised document.
Some overseas authorities continue to require traditional paper documents bearing an original notarial seal, while others readily accept electronic notarisation and electronic Apostilles.
Where necessary, I can advise on whether remote notarisation is likely to be appropriate for your particular circumstances.
Book Your Online Notary Appointment
If your document is suitable for remote notarisation, arranging an appointment is quick and convenient.
My online booking calendar allows you to select an appointment at a time that suits your schedule, whether you are based in England or overseas.
Appointments are available for individuals, businesses and international clients requiring professional notarial services.
Book your online appointment here:
If, after reviewing your documents, I determine that a face-to-face appointment is required, I will advise you accordingly and arrange a convenient meeting.
Why Choose Sheikh Najam?
As a Notary authorised to practise throughout England and Wales, I provide professional notarial services to private individuals, businesses and international clients.
Whether your documents require notarisation, Apostille or further embassy legalisation, my objective is to provide an efficient, secure and responsive service while ensuring compliance with the legal requirements of England and Wales and the jurisdiction in which your documents will be used.
About Sheikh Najam, TEP
Sheikh Najam, TEP is a Notary authorised to practise throughout England and Wales, a STEP-qualified Private Wealth Lawyer, and an advanced tax law specialist. He advises individuals, families, entrepreneurs and international businesses on notarial matters, cross-border legal documentation, Wills, trusts, inheritance tax planning, probate and international private client matters.
Based in Central London, Sheikh acts for clients throughout England and Wales and internationally, providing practical legal solutions for complex domestic and cross-border matters.
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