Which Documents Can Be Notarised Remotely?
Remote notarisation opens up genuine convenience — no travel, no need to be in the UK, an appointment fitted around your schedule wherever you are in the world. But not every notarial act can be performed this way. Certain categories of documents still require the client to be physically present with the Notary, by law.
As specialists in remote notary services in England and Wales, checking eligibility is one of the first things we do before confirming any remote instruction, so you know exactly where you stand before booking.
Documents That Can Typically Be Notarised Remotely
The following document types are generally suitable for remote notarisation by video call:
Certified copies of documents — passports, driving licences, academic certificates, and similar records
Certified copies of court documents, such as a Decree Absolute relating to divorce
UK-issued degree and qualification certificates
DBS and ACRO criminal record checks
Company documents — certificates of incorporation, certificates of good standing, board resolutions, and director identification
Documents requiring a witnessed signature, such as powers of attorney and letters of authority
Because these are private documents or certified copies that we can verify and certify directly during a video appointment, they lend themselves well to a fully remote process.
Documents That Cannot Be Notarised Remotely
Under the Faculty Office's Code of Practice, certain notarial acts still require the client to be physically present with the Notary:
Oaths and affidavits — the deponent must be physically present when the oath is sworn
Statutory declarations — the declarant must be physically present when the declaration is made
Certain deeds and instruments, where English law requires a witness to be physically present with the person executing the document (for example, under the Law of Property (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1989)
If your matter falls into one of these categories, an in-person appointment at our Central London office will be needed instead.
It's Not Just About the Document Type
Even where a document type is generally eligible, two further checks apply before we can proceed remotely:
A sufficient connecting factor to England and Wales. This can be your residence, nationality, or place of business, the location of any asset the document relates to, or the governing law of the transaction. Without this, we may not be able to act.
Acceptance by the receiving jurisdiction. We take reasonable steps to check whether the country or institution receiving your document will accept one notarised remotely, and we're upfront with you if we can't confirm this.
Both of these are assessed alongside document eligibility as part of our standard process — not an extra step you need to chase separately.
What Happens If Your Document Isn't Eligible
If your document requires physical presence, we don't leave you without a route forward. We'll explain clearly why remote notarisation isn't available for your matter and arrange an in-person appointment at our office in Holborn, Central London, or discuss alternative options where relevant.
Our Fees
Our standard notarial fees apply whether your appointment is remote or in person:
£135 — Notarisation of a personal document (flat rate, for use in the UK or overseas)
£150 — Notarisation of a commercial or property document (flat rate, for use in the UK or overseas)
Book Your Remote Appointment
👉 Get in touch to arrange your remote notary appointment: internationalnotary.co.uk/contact-us
Send us details of your document and we'll confirm eligibility before your appointment is booked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a power of attorney be notarised remotely?Yes. Powers of attorney requiring a witnessed signature are typically well suited to remote notarisation, subject to confirming a connecting factor to England and Wales and acceptance by the receiving jurisdiction.
Can an oath or affidavit be sworn remotely?No. Oaths and affidavits currently require the deponent to be physically present with the Notary when the oath is sworn.
Can company documents be notarised remotely?Yes. Certificates of incorporation, certificates of good standing, board resolutions, and director identification documents are generally suitable for remote notarisation.
What if my document type isn't on the eligible list?We'll confirm this with you directly and, where remote notarisation isn't available, arrange an in-person appointment at our Central London office instead.
Contact Us
Staple Inn Notaries
Fox Court, Gray's Inn Road, Holborn, London
📞 020 3488 4195
About the Author
Sheikh Najam LLB TEP MA MBA is a Notary Public for England and Wales and CEO of Staple Inn Notaries, based in Central London, specialising in remote notary services. He is also a European Attorney and a STEP-qualified International Private Wealth Lawyer, and serves as Vice President for Notarial Affairs and an Advisory Board Member at Justinian Lawyers, the Berlin-headquartered international legal network of the Association of European Attorneys. Appointed by the Court of Faculties under Royal Authority and regulated through the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Sheikh Najam advises on cross-border corporate, property, and private client matters across common law, civil law, and international jurisdictions.
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