Many people only learn what a Notary Public does when they suddenly need one. Whether you are dealing with international paperwork, moving abroad, or completing a business transaction, a notary plays an essential role in ensuring your documents are legally valid overseas.
At LM Notary Public, with offices in Dagenham, Canary Wharf and Stratford, we help clients every day who are unsure whether their documents require notarisation — and why.
This guide explains the most common situations in which individuals and businesses need a Notary Public, so you can prepare with confidence.
What Does a Notary Public Do?
A Notary Public verifies and certifies:
- identities
- signatures
- documents
- copies of original documents
This ensures your paperwork is legally recognised abroad. Many foreign authorities will not accept documents without notarisation.
Depending on the country, your document may also need:
- Apostille certification (via FCDO)
- Embassy or Consulate legalisation
LM Notary Public can assist with every step.
Common Reasons Individuals Need a Notary Public
1. Studying or Working Abroad
Universities and employers abroad often require notarised:
- degree certificates
- transcripts
- professional qualifications
- identity documents
2. Immigration, Citizenship and Visas
Foreign authorities may require notarised copies of:
- passports
- birth certificates
- marriage certificates
- financial documents
3. Buying or Selling Property Overseas
Property transactions abroad often require notarised:
- Powers of Attorney
- identity documents
- property sale/purchase agreements
4. Powers of Attorney for Use Abroad
If someone is representing you overseas for legal or financial purposes, the Power of Attorney typically must be notarised.
5. Child Travel Consent Letters
Many countries require notarised parental consent when a child travels with one parent or another adult.
6. Sworn Statements, Affidavits & Declarations
When submitting statements or evidence abroad, many jurisdictions require sworn documents signed before a Notary Public.
Common Reasons Businesses Need a Notary Public
1. Overseas Company Formation or Expansion
Notarised company documents are often required, including:
- certificates of incorporation
- director identification
- board resolutions
2. International Business Contracts
Many contracts abroad require notarised signatures of company directors.
3. Authenticating Corporate Documents
Companies may need notarised:
- financial statements
- certificates of good standing
- commercial powers of attorney
4. Export and Trade Documents
Some countries require notarised:
- certificates of origin
- commercial invoices
- shipping documents
Do Your Documents Need an Apostille or Legalisation?
Notarisation is often the first step — but not the last.
Apostille
Required for countries part of the Hague Apostille Convention. Issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Embassy/Consulate Legalisation
For countries outside the Hague Convention, an extra legalisation stage at the foreign embassy is required.
LM Notary Public can handle these steps so your documents are accepted abroad without delays.
Why Choose LM Notary Public
- Three convenient locations: Dagenham, Canary Wharf, Stratford
- Evening & weekend appointments at no extra cost
- Accurate and efficient document handling
- Multilingual service: English, Hindi, Malayalam (plus limited Tamil)
- Led by Lakshmy, Solicitor & Notary Public with extensive international legal experience
We make the process simple, fast, and stress-free.
Contact LM Notary Public
If you need to notarise a document or want guidance on requirements for a specific country, our team is here to help.
Locations: Dagenham | Docklands (near Canary Wharf) | Stratford
Phone: 0207 101 5408
Email: info@lmnotarypublic.co.uk
Website: https://lmnotarypublic.co.uk
Trusted support for all your notarial and legal document needs.