Online Notary Services UK
Secure Online Notarisation by Wharf Notaries
What is Online Notarisation?
Online notarisation is the process of notarising eligible documents electronically through secure online technology, removing the need for clients to attend our office in person.
Often referred to as eNotary or remote notarisation, the process typically involves a live video appointment between you and one of our notarial team . During the meeting, your identity is verified, your document is reviewed, and your electronic signature is witnessed where appropriate before the notarial certification is completed.
Depending on the nature of the document and the requirements of the receiving authority, your completed document may be issued electronically or may require additional certification before it can be used internationally.
Online notarisation offers a secure and efficient solution for clients who require professional notarial services while reducing unnecessary travel and delays.
Who Can Benefit from Online Notary Services?
Our remote notary service is suitable for a wide range of clients who require documents to be notarised for use in the UK or overseas.
We regularly assist:
1. Individuals living outside the United Kingdom
2. British citizens residing overseas
3. International property buyers and sellers
4. Business owners and company directors
5. Overseas investors
6. Solicitors requiring notarial support
7. Employers preparing international employment documentation
8. Individuals applying for visas or immigration purposes
9. Students submitting documents to overseas educational institutions
10. Clients managing international legal or commercial matters
By offering secure online appointments, we help clients complete many notarial formalities without disrupting work schedules, business commitments, or international travel plans.
Why Choose Our Online Notary Services?
Convenience Without Unnecessary Travel
Travelling to a notary office is not always practical, particularly for clients based overseas or those with busy schedules. Our online notary service allows many eligible documents to be notarised remotely from your home or workplace.
Global Accessibility
Whether you are living abroad, travelling for business, or unable to attend our office, our online appointments provide access to professional notarial services wherever you are located.
Secure Verification Process
We use secure technology to verify your identity, witness electronic signatures where appropriate, and complete the notarisation process in accordance with applicable legal and security requirements.
Flexible Appointments
Remote appointments provide greater flexibility, allowing you to arrange a convenient time that works around your personal commitments, business obligations, or different time zones.
Professional Support
Every matter is different. Before your appointment, we review your documents, explain the process, and answer any questions so you know exactly what to expect.
Trusted Service
With extensive experience in personal and business notarial services, Wharf Notaries is committed to providing an efficient, professional, and reliable service for every client.
Documents That Can Be Notarised Online
Our online notary service can assist with a wide range of personal and corporate documents, subject to the document type and the requirements of the receiving authority.
Personal Documents
1. Powers of Attorney
2. Affidavits
3. Statutory Declarations
4. Certified Copies of Passports
5. Certified Copies of Identification Documents
6. International Legal Documents
Business Documents
1. Corporate Documents
2. Commercial Contracts
3. Business Agreements
4. Company Documentation
Property Documents
1. Property Deeds
2. Property Agreements
3. Property-Related Legal Documentation
Document suitability depends on several factors, including the purpose of the document and the requirements of the organisation requesting the notarised document. Our team will confirm whether your documents are suitable for online notarisation before arranging your appointment.
How Our Online Notary Process Works
Our online notarisation process has been designed to be simple, secure, and efficient while maintaining the professional standards expected of a qualified notary. From your initial enquiry through to the completion of your documents, our team will guide you at every stage.
Step 1 – Initial Consultation
Contact Wharf Notaries by telephone, email, or through our online contact form to discuss your requirements.
During your consultation, we will discuss:
1. The type of document you need notarised
2. Where the document will be used
3. Whether online notarisation is suitable for your matter
4. Whether additional legalisation may be required
5. Expected timescales
6. Our fees
Once we have confirmed that your document is suitable for remote notarisation, we will arrange your online appointment at a convenient time.
Step 2 – Submit Your Documents
Before your appointment, you will be asked to send your documents electronically for review.
This may include:
1. The document requiring notarisation
2. A valid passport or government-issued photo identification
3. Proof of your residential address
4. Any supporting documentation relevant to your matter
Reviewing your documents beforehand allows us to prepare for your appointment, identify any potential issues, and help ensure the notarisation process proceeds smoothly.
Step 3 – Attend Your Online Appointment
At the scheduled time, you will join a secure live video appointment using your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
During the appointment, one of our experienced notaries will:
1. Verify your identity
2. Review your document with you
3. Confirm your understanding of the document
4. Witness your electronic signature where appropriate
5. Answer any questions before completing the notarial act
Our online appointments are conducted using secure technology to help protect your information while ensuring the integrity of the notarisation process.
Step 4 – Notarisation and Certification
Once all necessary checks have been completed, your notary will finalise the notarisation.
Depending on the nature of your document and its intended use, we will:
1. Apply the digital notarial certification where appropriate
2. Prepare your notarised document for use
3. Advise whether any additional certification or legalisation is required subject to the requirements of the receiving authority
We will explain the appropriate process before your matter is completed.
Step 5 – Delivery of Your Documents
Once your notarisation has been completed, we will provide your documents using the most appropriate delivery method.
Depending on your requirements, this may include:
1. Secure electronic delivery
2. Delivery of hard copies where required
3. Guidance on any further certification needed for international use
Our aim is to ensure your documents are completed accurately and delivered promptly so they are ready for their intended purpose.
What You Should Prepare Before Your Online Notary Appointment
Preparing a few essential items before your appointment helps ensure the online notarisation process runs efficiently.
We recommend having the following available:
1. A valid passport or government-issued photo identification
2. Proof of your current residential address
3. The document requiring notarisation
4. Any supporting documentation relevant to your matter
5. A reliable internet connection
6. A computer, tablet, or smartphone with a camera and microphone
7. A quiet location where you can participate in your video appointment without interruption
Having these items ready in advance helps minimise delays and allows your appointment to proceed as smoothly as possible.
Technology Used for Secure Online Notarisation
The security and integrity of the notarisation process are fundamental to every online appointment. Our remote service combines secure technology with established identity verification procedures to help protect both your documents and personal information throughout the notarisation process.
During your appointment, you will connect with one of our qualified notaries through a secure live video platform. Your identity will be verified, your documents reviewed, and your electronic signature will be witnessed where appropriate before the notarial act is completed.
Our online process includes:
1. Secure live video appointments
2. Identity verification procedures
3. Careful document review before notarisation
4. Secure handling of client information
5. Professional oversight throughout the appointment
While technology enables remote appointments, every online notarisation remains a professional legal service carried out personally by an experienced notary.
Is Online Notarisation Suitable for Every Document?
Online notarisation is available for many personal and business documents. However, whether a document can be notarised remotely depends on several factors, including:
1. The type of document
2. The purpose of the document
3. The requirements of the receiving authority
4. Where the document will be used
5. Whether the document can be completed electronically
Some organisations or authorities may still require original documents or an in-person appointment. For this reason, every matter is reviewed individually before we confirm whether remote notarisation is suitable.
If your documents are not appropriate for online notarisation, we will advise you on the most suitable alternative.
Will My Online Notarised Document Be Accepted Overseas?
Many organisations, government authorities, educational institutions, financial organisations, and businesses accept documents that have been notarised through approved remote procedures. However, acceptance always depends on the requirements of the organisation requesting the document.
Requirements can vary between countries and even between different authorities within the same jurisdiction. Some may accept electronically notarised documents, while others may require additional certification or original documentation.
Before proceeding with your appointment, we will discuss:
1. The country where your document will be used
2. The purpose of the document
3. Whether additional certification may be required
4. The most appropriate notarisation process for your circumstances
If you are unsure about the receiving authority’s requirements, we recommend confirming them before your appointment. Our team will also be happy to provide guidance based on your specific matter.
Online Notary Services for International Clients
Our online notary service is particularly beneficial for clients who are unable to visit our office in London in person.
We regularly assist:
1. British citizens living overseas
2. Individuals relocating abroad
3. International property buyers and sellers
4. Overseas investors
5. Company directors
6. Students studying overseas
7. Individuals applying for visas or immigration
8. Clients managing international legal and business matters
Remote appointments allow many eligible notarial services to be completed from almost anywhere, making the process more convenient while reducing unnecessary travel.
Provided there is an appropriate legal connection to England and Wales and your document is suitable for remote notarisation, many matters can be completed regardless of your physical location.
Do My Documents Need Additional Legalisation?
Not every notarised document requires further authentication. Whether additional certification is needed depends on where your document will be used and the requirements of the receiving authority.
If your documents are intended for use outside the UK, further legalisation may be required before they are accepted.
This may include:
Apostille
An Apostille certifies the authenticity of the notary’s signature and official seal for countries that are party to the Hague Apostille Convention.
Many overseas authorities request an Apostille before accepting foreign notarised documents.
e-Apostille
For certain electronically notarised documents, an e-Apostille may be available where accepted by the receiving authority. This allows the authentication process to remain entirely digital without relying on physical paperwork.
Availability depends on both the type of document and the requirements of the destination country. We will advise whether an e-Apostille is suitable for your matter.
Embassy or Consular Legalisation
Depending on the destination country, some documents may require additional legalisation through the relevant embassy or consulate.
Requirements vary depending on the destination country and the type of document involved.
If your documents require further legalisation, our team will explain the appropriate process and advise you on the next steps before your matter is completed.
Do I Need to Send Original Documents for online notarisation?
Whether original documents are required depends on the type of document and the requirements of the receiving authority.
Some matters can be completed entirely electronically, while others may require original signed documents before the notarisation process can be finalised.
If original documents are required, we will explain:
1. Which documents need to be provided
2. When they should be signed
3. Whether signatures need to be witnessed
4. The most suitable delivery method
5. Expected turnaround times
Providing this guidance at the outset helps avoid unnecessary delays and ensures the process is as straightforward as possible.
Documents That May Not Be Suitable for Online Notarisation
Although many documents can be notarised remotely, certain documents or transactions may require an in-person appointment or inspection of original documents.
Examples may include:
1. Original birth certificates
2. Original marriage certificates
3. Original death certificates
4. Adoption certificates
5. Certain court documents
6. Documents requiring physical examination
7. Documents where legislation requires personal attendance
Some overseas authorities may also require documents to be signed in the physical presence of a notary.
If your documents are not suitable for remote notarisation, we will explain the reason and recommend the most appropriate alternative.
Can I Use an Online Notary Service While Living Abroad?
Yes. Our online notary service is designed to assist clients both within the UK and overseas. If your document is suitable for remote notarisation, you can often complete the process without travelling to our office.
We regularly assist:
1. British citizens living abroad
2. Individuals working overseas
3. International property owners
4. Company directors
5. Overseas investor
6. Students studying abroad
7. Individuals managing UK legal matters from overseas
8. Businesses with international operations
Remote appointments provide a practical solution for clients who need professional notarial services while living, working, or travelling outside the UK.
Why Choose Wharf Notaries for Online Notarisation?
Choosing the right notary is important, particularly when your documents are intended for use internationally. At Wharf Notaries, we are committed to providing a professional, reliable, and client-focused service from your initial enquiry through to the completion of your documents.
Experienced and Qualified Notaries
Our experienced team provides notarial services for individuals, businesses, legal professionals, and organisations requiring documents for use in the UK and internationally.
Convenient Online Appointments
Our remote appointments allow many eligible documents to be notarised without the need to visit our office, offering a convenient solution for clients with busy schedules or those based overseas.
Personalised Notarisation Guidance
Every document has different requirements. We review your documents, explain the process, and advise if additional certification or legalisation may be required before your document can be used.
Support with International Legalisation
Where additional authentication is required, we can assist with:
1. Apostille services
2. Document legalisation
3. Guidance on overseas document requirements
Most Asked Questions About Online Notatisation
Answers to your questions regarding online notary services in the UK
No. While many personal and business documents can be notarised remotely, some documents require original paperwork or an in-person appointment. We assess every matter individually before confirming whether online notarisation is appropriate.
Yes. We regularly assist clients living, working, or travelling overseas. If your documents are suitable for remote notarisation, your location will often not prevent you from using our online service.
The organisation requesting your document will usually advise whether notarisation is required. If you are unsure, our team can review your documents and explain the most appropriate certification.
Most clients will be asked to provide:
- A valid passport or government-issued photo ID
- Proof of residential address
- Any additional supporting documents relevant to the matter
The exact requirements may vary depending on the document being notarised.
Appointment times vary depending on the type and number of documents being notarised. During your initial consultation, we will provide an estimated appointment duration and expected turnaround time.
Yes. Many corporate documents may be suitable for remote notarisation, including company documentation, commercial agreements, and other business-related documents, subject to review.
If your document is intended for use overseas, the receiving authority may require additional legalisation before it can be accepted. This may include an Apostille or other forms of document legalisation, depending on the destination country. We can advise you on the appropriate requirements once we have reviewed your documents.
Where appropriate, electronically notarised documents can be provided digitally. In some cases, however, the receiving authority may require original documents or hard copies. We will explain the available options based on your specific requirements.
If your documents are not suitable for remote notarisation, we will explain why and recommend the most appropriate alternative. This may include arranging an in-person appointment where necessary.
Book Your Online Notary Appointment
Contact Wharf Notaries today to discuss your requirements, request a quotation and arrange your online notary appointment. Our team will review your documents, explain the available options, and advise whether additional legalisation, such as e-Apostille, or embassy legalisation is required for your intended destination.