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Frequently asked questions
General
A Notary Public is a qualified legal professional authorised to verify identities, witness signatures, certify documents, administer oaths, and prepare documents for use both in the UK and overseas. In England and Wales, notaries undergo specialist training, rigorous background checks, and are regulated by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury to ensure the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.
Documents notarised by a Notary Public are widely recognised and trusted internationally, making them essential for overseas legal, business, property, immigration, and personal matters. Notaries also act as Commissioners for Oaths, enabling them to administer affidavits, statutory declarations, and sworn statements.
At Kang Notaries, we provide efficient and reliable notarial services for individuals and businesses, ensuring your documents meet the legal requirements of the country in which they will be used.
You may need a Notary Public if your documents are intended for use outside the UK. Many foreign authorities, government agencies, banks, universities, and businesses require documents to be notarised before they will accept them.
Common documents requiring notarisation include powers of attorney, affidavits, statutory declarations, certified copies, company documents, and documents relating to overseas property transactions, immigration, or international business.
In many cases, your overseas lawyer or the organisation requesting the document will specify that it must be notarised. They may also require certain signing formalities depending on the destination country, such as signing every page or completing the document in the presence of a notary.
If you have received documents from a lawyer, organisation, or authority outside the UK, ask them whether notarisation is required. If you're unsure, the team at Kang Notaries will be happy to review your documents and advise you on the most appropriate course of action before your appointment.
Finding a qualified Notary Public is easy with Kang Notaries. Our experienced notaries are authorised to practise throughout England and Wales and provide professional notarial services for both individuals and businesses.
You can visit one of our conveniently located offices by appointment, or, where appropriate, we can arrange to meet you at your home, workplace, or another suitable location for added convenience. Mobile notary appointments may be subject to additional travel charges depending on the location and time required.
If you're unsure which office is closest to you or need a mobile notary service, simply contact Kang Notaries. Our team will help you arrange the most convenient appointment and ensure your documents are notarised quickly and efficiently.
An apostille is an official certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) that verifies the authenticity of a UK public document or a notarised document for use in another country. It confirms that the signature, seal, or stamp on the document is genuine, allowing it to be recognised in countries that are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961.
Before an apostille can be issued for many documents, they must first be notarised by a qualified Notary Public. Once notarised, the document is submitted to the FCDO, which attaches the apostille certificate to confirm the notary's authority and the document's authenticity.
An apostille is commonly required for documents such as powers of attorney, birth and marriage certificates, academic qualifications, company documents, affidavits, and other legal paperwork intended for international use.
At Kang Notaries, we can handle the entire apostille process on your behalf, ensuring your documents are correctly prepared, notarised, and submitted to the FCDO for fast, efficient legalisation.
Getting your documents notarised with Kang Notaries is a straightforward process.
1. Send Us Your Documents
Email us a clear scan or draft of your document. We'll review it, confirm whether notarisation, an apostille, or legalisation is required, provide a quotation, and explain the next steps.
2. Identity Verification
In most cases, you'll need to attend an appointment with one of our notaries. You'll be asked to present valid photo identification, such as a passport, along with proof of your residential address. Some documents may also require additional verification before they can be notarised.
3. Notarisation
During your appointment, the notary will verify your identity, witness your signature where required, and prepare the notarial certificate. Your document will then be signed, sealed, and stamped with the official notarial seal, making it ready for use in the relevant jurisdiction.
4. Apostille or Legalisation (If Required)
If your document is intended for use overseas, it may also require an apostille from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or legalisation by the relevant embassy or consulate. Kang Notaries can manage this entire process on your behalf, saving you time and ensuring your documents meet international requirements.
5. Remote Electronic Notarisation
For eligible electronic documents, remote notarisation may be available. Simply send us your documents for review, and we'll advise you on the process and any supporting information required.
If you're unsure which service you need, contact Kang Notaries and our experienced team will guide you through every step of the notarisation process.
We recommend contacting Kang Notaries before booking an appointment. Simply email us a copy or draft of your document, and our team will review it to confirm the services you require, provide a quotation, and advise you of any identification or supporting documents you'll need to bring.
Most notarisation services require an in-person appointment so that the notary can verify your identity, witness your signature where necessary, and complete the notarisation process. You'll typically need to bring a valid passport or other government-issued photo ID, together with proof of your current address.
For certain services, such as certifying true copies of original documents, you may not need to attend in person. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to send or deliver your documents to us for processing.
Appointments are available during normal business hours, and we also offer mobile appointments at your home or workplace, where suitable. Out-of-hours appointments may be available by prior arrangement, subject to availability and additional fees.
If you're unsure whether you need an appointment, simply contact Kang Notaries, and we'll advise you on the quickest and most convenient option.
The time required depends on the type of document and the services you need.
If your documents only require notarisation, your appointment is usually completed within 20–30 minutes. Once your identity has been verified and your documents have been signed, the notary will prepare and seal the notarial certificate. In most cases, notarised documents can be completed on the same day.
If your documents require professional translation or additional verification, such as confirming the authenticity of academic certificates, the process may take longer depending on the issuing institution or translation requirements.
Where an apostille is required, the documents must be submitted to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Processing times vary depending on the service selected and current demand. If embassy or consular legalisation is also required, the overall timeframe will depend on the specific country's procedures.
To receive an accurate estimate, simply send Kang Notaries a copy of your documents. We'll review your requirements and provide a quotation, explain the process, and advise you of the expected turnaround time.
The documents you'll need depend on the type of notarisation required. In most cases, you'll need to attend an appointment and bring:
A valid original passport or other government-issued photo ID.
Proof of your current residential address, such as a recent utility bill, bank statement, council tax bill, or driving licence.
The original document you need to sign or have notarised.
If you're signing documents on behalf of a company or organisation, you may also need to provide additional supporting documents, such as a certificate of incorporation, board resolution, power of attorney, or other evidence confirming your authority to sign.
If you require certified copies of original documents, you'll need to provide the original documents so the notary can compare them with the copies before certification.
To ensure you bring everything required, simply send Kang Notaries a copy of your documents before your appointment. We'll review your requirements and let you know exactly which identification and supporting documents you'll need.
If your documents are intended for use in another country, they may need an apostille issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). An apostille is an official certificate that verifies the authenticity of a notarised document or certain UK public documents, allowing them to be recognised in countries that are parties to the Hague Apostille Convention.
The process typically involves submitting your original document to Kang Notaries for review. If notarisation is required, our notary will first complete the notarisation before arranging for the document to be submitted to the FCDO for the apostille certificate. Some official UK documents, such as certain documents issued by Companies House or the General Register Office, may be eligible for an apostille without prior notarisation.
If your document is being used in a country that is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, you may also need embassy or consular legalisation in addition to the apostille. The requirements vary by country, and our team will advise you on the correct process.
Simply send Kang Notaries a copy of your document, and we'll confirm whether notarisation, an apostille, or consular legalisation is required, provide a quotation, and guide you through the entire process from start to finish.
The legalisation process depends on the country where your documents will be used.
If the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, your documents will usually only require an apostille issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). In many cases, documents must first be notarised before they can receive an apostille.
If the country is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, your documents may require consular legalisation. This involves obtaining an apostille (where applicable) followed by authentication from the relevant embassy or consulate. The exact requirements vary between countries, and additional documentation may be needed.
Some Commonwealth countries may accept certain UK documents without requiring an apostille or consular legalisation, although you should always confirm the requirements with the overseas authority requesting your documents.
At Kang Notaries, we can advise you on the correct legalisation process based on your destination country, arrange notarisation where required, obtain the FCDO apostille, and manage any embassy or consular legalisation on your behalf. Simply send us a copy of your documents, and we'll provide a quotation, explain the process, and ensure your documents are prepared for international use as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Yes. Kang Notaries can certify and notarise UK police criminal record documents, including DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) certificates and ACRO Police Certificates, for use in the UK or overseas.
You'll usually need to provide the original document for inspection, either by bringing it to your appointment or sending it to us if appropriate.
Depending on the type of certificate and the requirements of the country where it will be used, your document may also need an apostille or consular legalisation. In many cases, ACRO Police Certificates can be apostilled directly, while DBS certificates may first require notarisation before an apostille can be obtained.
If you're unsure what level of certification is required, simply send Kang Notaries a copy of your document. We'll review your requirements, advise you on the correct process, and arrange any notarisation, apostille, or legalisation needed for international use.
In most cases, no. You should complete your documents, but leave them unsigned and undated until your appointment with the notary. This allows the notary to verify your identity and witness your signature, which is often a legal requirement for notarisation.
There are some exceptions where a document may be signed in advance, such as when you only need to acknowledge an existing signature or where a witness is required to swear an affidavit before the notary. The correct procedure depends on the type of document and the requirements of the receiving authority.
To avoid delays or the need to re-sign your documents, send Kang Notaries a copy of your document before your appointment. We'll review it, confirm whether you should sign it beforehand, and guide you through the correct notarisation process.
Yes. Kang Notaries offers a convenient mobile notary service for clients who are unable to visit one of our offices. Where appropriate, a notary can meet you at your home, workplace, care home, hospital, or another agreed location to complete the notarisation process.
Mobile appointments are subject to availability and may incur an additional attendance fee based on the travel distance, location, and time required for the appointment.
To arrange a mobile notary visit, simply contact Kang Notaries with your preferred location and appointment time. We'll provide a quotation and confirm the most convenient option for your notarisation needs.
Yes. Kang Notaries can assist clients who do not speak English. Before notarising any document, our notary must be satisfied that the person signing fully understands the document and is signing it willingly.
Where possible, we can assist clients in a range of languages through our multilingual team. If the required language is not available, we can arrange for or work with a qualified interpreter to ensure clear communication throughout the appointment.
If the document itself is written in a language the signer does not understand, a suitable translation may be required so that the contents can be fully explained before it is signed.
If you or a family member requires language assistance, please contact Kang Notaries in advance. We'll advise you on the most appropriate arrangements to ensure the notarisation process is completed smoothly and in full compliance with legal requirements.
Yes. Kang Notaries can notarise documents written in many foreign languages, provided the notary is satisfied that the document and signing process comply with legal requirements.
Where appropriate, our multilingual team can assist with documents in a range of languages. If a translation is required to help the notary understand the document or to ensure the signer fully understands its contents, we can arrange a suitable translation or work with a qualified translator.
If you require a certified or official translation for your documents, Kang Notaries can also assist. Translation times and costs will depend on the language, document length, and complexity.
If the person signing the document does not understand the language in which it is written, a translation may be required before the document can be notarised. This helps ensure the signer fully understands the document before signing.
Simply send Kang Notaries a copy of your documents, and we'll review them, advise you on any translation requirements, and guide you through the notarisation process.
A difference between the name on your document and the name shown on your passport or other identification does not necessarily prevent your document from being notarised, but it should be brought to our attention before your appointment.
If you have changed your name due to marriage, divorce, deed poll, or any other legal reason, or if you use different versions of your name, Kang Notaries will review your documents and advise you on the best approach. You may also need to provide supporting evidence, such as a marriage certificate, deed poll, or other official name change document.
Where appropriate, the notarial certificate can include a statement confirming that you are known by more than one name, helping to avoid delays or issues with the receiving authority.
If your documents contain different names, simply send Kang Notaries a copy before your appointment. We'll review the details and advise you on any additional documentation or steps required to ensure your documents are accepted.
Yes. Kang Notaries can certify true copies of a wide range of original documents, including passports, driving licences, identity cards, proof of address, academic certificates, and other personal or business documents.
To certify a copy, the notary must compare the copy with the original document to confirm that it is a true and accurate reproduction. For this reason, you'll need to present the original document at your appointment or arrange for it to be provided to us where appropriate.
If you're unsure whether your document can be certified or need additional services such as notarisation, an apostille, or legalisation, simply contact Kang Notaries. We'll advise you on the requirements and help you arrange an appointment at a time and location that's convenient for you.
Yes. Kang Notaries can certify true copies of academic certificates, diplomas, transcripts, and other educational documents for use in the UK or overseas.
To certify a copy, you'll need to provide the original document so that the notary can compare it with the copy and confirm that it is a true and accurate reproduction.
In some cases, particularly where verification of the original document is required, we may need to contact the issuing school, college, university, or other institution to confirm the authenticity of the certificate. This additional verification process can take several days or, in some cases, a few weeks, depending on how quickly the issuing institution responds.
If your academic documents are intended for international use, they may also require notarisation, an apostille, or embassy legalisation. Simply send Kang Notaries a copy of your documents, and we'll advise you on the most appropriate process, expected timescales, and any additional requirements.
Yes. Kang Notaries can assist with the certification and notarisation of the educational documents required as part of a Declaration of Value (Dichiarazione di Valore) application for Italy.
To certify your academic documents, you'll need to provide the original certificates and transcripts. In some cases, we may also need to verify their authenticity with the issuing school, college, or university before they can be notarised. The time required for verification depends on how quickly the issuing institution responds.
You'll also be asked to provide valid photo identification and proof of your current address as part of our identity verification process.
Once your documents have been notarised and, where required, apostilled or legalised, you'll normally need to submit them to the relevant Italian Consulate or Embassy, which is responsible for issuing the Declaration of Value.
If you're unsure which documents you need, simply send Kang Notaries copies of your paperwork. We'll review your requirements, explain the process, and guide you through each step to help ensure your application proceeds smoothly.
The supporting documents required will depend on the type of company document you need notarised. Before your appointment, we recommend sending Kang Notaries a copy or draft of your documents so we can review them and advise you on the specific requirements.
In most cases, you'll need to provide:
Valid photo identification and proof of address for the authorised signatory.
Evidence that you are authorised to sign on behalf of the company, such as a board resolution, power of attorney, or other authorisation documents.
Company information, which may include a Certificate of Incorporation, Articles of Association, or a recent extract from the relevant company register.
For overseas or non-UK companies, additional documents may be required to verify the company's legal existence and the authority of the person signing.
Once we have reviewed your documents, Kang Notaries will confirm exactly what supporting documentation is required, provide a quotation, and guide you through the notarisation, apostille, or legalisation process if needed.
We recommend booking an appointment before visiting Kang Notaries. Before your appointment, simply send us a copy or draft of your document so we can review your requirements, provide a quotation, and advise you on the identification and supporting documents you'll need.
Appointments help ensure that the appropriate notary is available and that all necessary checks can be completed efficiently. As our notaries may be attending client meetings or mobile appointments, we cannot always accommodate walk-in visits.
If you need your signature notarised, you'll usually be required to attend in person with your original photo identification, such as a passport or driving licence, together with proof of your current address.
By arranging an appointment in advance, Kang Notaries can ensure your documents are processed as quickly and smoothly as possible, saving you time and avoiding unnecessary delays.
Kang Notaries accepts a range of convenient payment methods, including bank transfer, debit cards, and most major credit cards. Payment can usually be made during your appointment or online, depending on the service provided.
For bank transfer payments, please include your invoice or reference number to help us process your payment promptly. Cash payments may also be accepted for smaller amounts where appropriate.
To protect our clients from fraud, Kang Notaries does not notify changes to bank account details by email. If you receive any communication requesting payment to a different account, please contact us directly to verify the information before making a payment.
If you have any questions about payment options or require an invoice before your appointment, our team will be happy to assist.
The cost of notarial services depends on the type of document, the complexity of the work involved, and whether additional services such as an apostille, embassy legalisation, translation, or document verification are required.
At Kang Notaries, our fees reflect the time and professional expertise needed to ensure your documents comply with all legal and regulatory requirements. This includes verifying your identity, checking your authority to sign where applicable, and ensuring your documents meet the requirements of the receiving country.
To receive an accurate quotation, simply send us a copy or draft of your documents. We'll review your requirements and provide a transparent quote, explain the process, outline the expected timescales, and advise you of any supporting documents you'll need.
If you also require document translation, the cost will usually depend on the language combination, document length, and complexity.
Yes. Kang Notaries offers professional document translation services for a wide range of personal, legal, academic, and business documents in multiple languages.
If you require a certified or official translation, simply send us a copy of your document. We'll review it and provide a quotation based on the document's length, language combination, and complexity, together with an estimated turnaround time.
If your document is being notarised and is written in a language that the signer does not understand, a suitable translation may be required to ensure the contents are fully understood before signing. Where appropriate, we can arrange this as part of the notarisation process.
Whether you need translation, notarisation, an apostille, or embassy legalisation, Kang Notaries can provide a complete service, helping to ensure your documents are ready for use both in the UK and internationally.
Yes. Kang Notaries can certify translations for a wide range of documents intended for use in the UK or overseas.
If you require a certified translation, we can arrange the translation through trusted professional translators, helping to streamline the process and ensure the translation meets the required standards. Translation costs are typically based on the language combination, document length, and complexity.
If your document has already been translated by another translator or translation company, we may need to verify the translator's credentials and confirm the accuracy of the translation before it can be certified. Additional checks may be required depending on the document and the requirements of the receiving authority.
Whether you need a certified translation on its own or as part of a notarisation, apostille, or legalisation service, Kang Notaries can manage the entire process and ensure your documents are prepared for official use in the UK or abroad.
Yes. Kang Notaries can assist with the certification and verification of your UK immigration status where this is required for a visa application or for use by overseas authorities.
If your immigration status is held digitally, we'll ask you to provide your UK Home Office share code, which allows us to verify your status through the official UK government system. You may also need to provide your passport or other valid photo identification, together with any instructions you've received from the embassy, consulate, or overseas authority requesting the certified documents.
Once we have reviewed your requirements, we'll advise whether notarisation, certification, an apostille, or legalisation is required, provide a quotation, and arrange an appointment if necessary.
If you're unsure what documentation is needed, simply send Kang Notaries a copy of your instructions and supporting documents. We'll guide you through the process and ensure your documents are prepared correctly for your visa or immigration application.
Yes. Kang Notaries can witness the signing of statutory declarations, affidavits, sworn statements, and declarations made under oath. As Notaries Public in England and Wales are also Commissioners for Oaths, they are authorised to administer oaths and affirmations in accordance with UK law.
Before your appointment, please send us a copy or draft of your document so we can review it, confirm that it is suitable for notarisation or witnessing, and advise you of any identification or supporting documents you'll need to bring.
During your appointment, you'll be asked to provide valid photo identification and, where required, proof of your current address. If you wish to swear an oath on a holy book, please let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements. Alternatively, you may choose to make an affirmation, which is a non-religious declaration that carries the same legal effect as an oath.
Kang Notaries will ensure your statutory declaration or affidavit is completed correctly and meets all legal requirements for use in the UK or overseas.
In some circumstances, yes. Kang Notaries may be able to verify your identity and assist with certain remote notarisation services by video call, depending on the type of document and the legal requirements of the country where it will be used.
However, not all jurisdictions accept electronically signed or remotely notarised documents. Many overseas authorities still require documents to be signed in wet ink in the physical presence of a notary. Before proceeding with a remote appointment, you should confirm with the organisation or authority requesting your documents that remote notarisation or electronic signatures will be accepted.
If you are an existing client whose identity has previously been verified in person, additional remote services may be available, subject to legal and regulatory requirements.
If you're unsure whether your document can be notarised remotely, simply send Kang Notaries a copy of your document and details of where it will be used. We'll review your requirements and advise you on the most appropriate and legally compliant process.
Yes. Kang Notaries may be able to certify documents signed electronically using DocuSign, subject to the legal requirements of the document and the country where it will be used.
To assess your request, we'll usually need a copy of the electronically signed document together with the DocuSign Certificate of Completion or audit trail, which verifies the signing process and the identity of the signer.
Before proceeding, you should also confirm with the organisation or overseas authority requesting the document that electronically signed and notarised documents are acceptable. Some jurisdictions still require documents to be signed in wet ink in the physical presence of a notary.
If you're unsure whether your electronically signed document is eligible for certification, simply send Kang Notaries a copy of the document and the Certificate of Completion. We'll review your requirements and advise you on the most appropriate notarisation, apostille, or legalisation process.
Yes. Kang Notaries can assist with the notarisation of Russian-language documents, subject to reviewing the document and confirming that it meets the necessary legal requirements.
Before your appointment, please send us a copy or draft of your Russian document so we can assess the requirements and advise you on the process. You'll also need to provide valid photo identification and proof of address as part of our standard identity verification procedures.
If the document is written in Russian and you understand the language, it may be possible to notarise it without requiring a full English translation. Where necessary, we can arrange for a qualified translator to assist or prepare a suitable notarial certificate to support the notarisation process.
If your Russian document will be used overseas, Kang Notaries can also arrange any required apostille or embassy legalisation, ensuring your documents are prepared for international acceptance.
The information required depends on the country where your Power of Attorney (POA) will be used and the purpose of the document. Before preparing or notarising your Power of Attorney, Kang Notaries will review your requirements and advise you on the specific information needed.
In most cases, you'll be asked to provide:
Your full legal name as it appears on your passport or national identity card.
Your date of birth, nationality, occupation, and residential address.
A copy of your valid passport or government-issued photo ID.
The full name and contact details of the person or organisation you are appointing as your attorney.
Details of the powers you wish to grant and the purpose of the Power of Attorney (for example, buying or selling property, managing financial affairs, or representing you overseas).
Any instructions or document templates provided by your overseas lawyer, notary, or the authority requesting the Power of Attorney.
For some countries, additional information may be required, such as parents' names, national identity card details, tax numbers, or property information. If the document is being used abroad, it may also require an apostille or embassy legalisation after notarisation.
Simply send Kang Notaries a copy of your draft Power of Attorney or the instructions you have received from your overseas lawyer or authority. We'll review your documents, confirm the information required, prepare the document if necessary, and guide you through the entire notarisation process.
In most cases, no. A qualified Notary Public in England and Wales can notarise documents for use both in the UK and internationally, including documents intended for countries such as Germany, Italy, Spain, France, and many others.
While Scrivener Notaries have additional language qualifications and a long historical association with the City of London, there is generally no legal requirement to use a Scrivener Notary simply because your document will be used overseas. Qualified Notaries Public are authorised to practise throughout England and Wales and can notarise documents for international use in accordance with UK law.
If your document requires an apostille, Kang Notaries can also arrange authentication through the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Where necessary, we can also assist with embassy or consular legalisation to ensure your documents are accepted in the destination country.
If you're unsure whether your overseas authority specifically requires a Scrivener Notary, simply send Kang Notaries a copy of your document or the instructions you have received. We'll review the requirements, advise you on the most appropriate service, and guide you through the entire notarisation and legalisation process.
Yes, Kang Notaries can assist with the notarisation and certification of UK birth, death, and marriage certificates for use in the UK or overseas.
However, it's important to note that official certificates issued by the General Register Office (GRO) are protected by Crown copyright. For this reason, photocopies of these certificates are generally not suitable for notarisation or apostille purposes. If an official certified copy is required, you may first need to obtain a new certified copy directly from the General Register Office.
Where notarisation is required, the original certified certificate will usually be permanently attached to the notarial certificate using the notary's official binding method, seal, and ribbon. This is a standard part of the notarisation process and helps protect the integrity of the document.
If your certificate is intended for use abroad, Kang Notaries can also arrange an apostille from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and, where required, embassy or consular legalisation.
If you're unsure whether your certificate requires notarisation, an apostille, or legalisation, simply send Kang Notaries a copy of your document. We'll review your requirements and advise you on the most suitable process.
Need assistance? Why not chat to our dedicated team
Our offices are open Monday – Friday, 9am-5:30pm
265-269 Wimbledon Park Road, London, SW19 6NW
Telephone: +44 79 4023 9393
Email: info@kangnotaries.com
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