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Digital notarisation and e-apostille

As with paper notarisation, digital notarisation involves the certification or validation of documents for use overseas. The use of this service is narrower than a paper format and is usually used for confirming that the document produced is genuine.

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Remote notary public, Liverpool, Wirral and Nationwide

When dealing with matters abroad, such as starting a new job, university placement or setting up a company, you may need to get your documents notarised. Sometimes we can do this digitally.

The content of my notarial certificate is similar to a paper version but the appearance and format is different. The document is signed with a QES signature. This is a secure and verifiable method of confirming who has signed the document. It is this process that allows an e-apostille to be attached to the document(s). Digital documents cannot be printed as all of the security features are embedded within the digital copy.

Can we complete the documents remotely?

It depends on what the document is. Declarations, affidavits and oaths all have to be done in person, so we couldn’t do that over Zoom for example. They can be done in person and a digital document created. Deeds need to be witnessed by a person in the same room as you, and can be remotely witnessed by a notary, but this is clearly documented.

How do we get the documents digitally notarised?

Not everything can be digitally notarised such as British birth, death or marriage certificates. If you are unsure if your document can be prepared this way, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and I can check for you.

Documents typically need to be verified, and this is usually done digitally, either by email or a third-party verification platform.

What is an e-apostille?

This is the digital version of an apostille. It is usually processed faster than the paper version and they are issued by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office. Using this method, your document is uploaded via their website, and undergoes a series of checks to ensure that the digital signature is genuine. Once done, they attach a digital certificate or 'e-apostille'.

Unfortunately, these types of documents cannot have further legalisation. I have not yet heard of an embassy or consulate that will add their own legalisation to a document, so this service would be unavailable in countries such as Egypt or Dubai.

Why might digital notarisation be needed?

  • Providing a company's status and confirming who the directors are
  • Confirming a person's identity or proof of life
  • Confirming the authenticity of education certificates
  • ID5 forms for HM Land Registry in the UK

FAQs

Unsure whether you need our digital notarisation or e-apostille service? Looking for more information? Here's some of our most frequently asked questions.

I can arrange one for you, but it cannot be issued by this office. I think of it as two-factor authentication. I check your identity or the document in question and they check my digital signature.
No, I absorb the cost of creating the digital document as part of my fee. My fees are charged on an hourly basis of £180 with a minimum fee of £90.
I can do so in person, and remotely in very limited circumstances. Please contact me with your situation and we can discuss it in more detail.
Yes, it will need to be digitally notarised first (need to be verified), and then either myself or you can apply to the FCDO to have the e-apostille attached.
Notaries are the third branch of the legal profession. This branch is often unheard of as there are a lot more lawyers and barristers. In order to be a notary you have to have a law degree or be a qualified solicitor or a barrister and pass the notarial practice course. The profession is regulated by The Faculty Office.
A lot! A notary public like me can take oaths and affirmations, prepare some documents and assist with the completion of others amongst many other things.
You'll need to bring all of your original identity documents (photocopies, scans or photographs etc. can't be accepted), original proof of address documentation, the original documents you wish to be notarised and the agreed fee.
Actually, no. Certain countries (Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other Commonwealth countries, the USA etc.) don't usually require documents to be notarised. If you're unsure as to whether a particular country requires documentation to be notarised, please get in touch.
Examples include a valid passport or a current UK driving licence.
Examples include a current UK driving licence, a recent bank statement or a utility bill.
This depends on the documents you have and how many. If you can send them to me by email or we can discuss them, I would be delighted to provide an accurate quote. My fees are based on an hourly rate of £180, with a minimum fee of £90.
Based in New Brighton, I provide notarial services to a range of private and corporate clients across Merseyside and the Wirral. When it comes to digital notarisation and e-apostille, however, I can work with people no matter where they're located.
The law dictates that this costs £5 per document (a statutory declaration for use in England and Wales) and £2 per exhibit. You will normally have been provided with this document - my job is to sign (but not seal) this for you. If you need me to provide or draft the document or if it's for use outside of England and Wales, then my standard fees above will apply. We will discuss and confirm what these are before we agree to proceed.

A few words from my clients

Elaine was my Notary of choice back in August 2020. Her welcoming yet professional demeanour was exemplary. My documents were presented beautifully and arrived in plenty of time before I moved to Kuwait. Knowing how fantastic a job she had done, I contacted Elaine this summer to ask if she could offer her reliable services again. Through regular communication, Elaine has once more made my pre-arrival process back to Kuwait a seamless one. What a woman!

Ashleigh O'Grady

When you have need for the services of a Notary, it's usually for an important reason. Over the years, Elaine has been of great assistance in my many requests. Her professionalism and response is second to none, whilst her transparecy in undertalking her duties provides a reassuring level of comfort. The end result is an accurate and reliable service, which is flawless in every regard. Thank you very much for all which you do.

Cars tt Channel

Would definitely recommend Elaine to anybody, she was efficient, professional and very friendly.

Jenni Lloyd

Why choose me?

A specialist notary public, I provide digital notarisation and e-apostille services to organisations and individuals throughout the UK and beyond. But why choose me over another notary?

Thanks to my digital notarisation and e-apostille services, I'm one of just a handful of notaries in the North West that can certify digital documents.
Every client is different and so are their requirements. Whilst rules and regulations demand that our work is done in a certain way, however, we're committed to providing to meeting our clients' needs, providing the most flexible service possible. Perhaps you want somebody to handle the entire process for you? You may need an evening or weekend appointment or even an office visit? No matter what your requirements, I'm here to support you.
I haven't always wanted to be a notary public. My journey throughout the legal sector and beyond has given me a breadth of experience working many notaries can only dream of, having worked within a variety of sectors and for a truly diverse range of people. I use this experience to deliver excellent communications, accurate documents whilst offering a personal, efficient customer service.
Whilst digital notarisation and e-apostille services are typically delivered remotely, if an appointment is needed you can visit my office (also my home address) or, if this is unsuitable, at your own home or workplace.
Most of my clients initially have no idea what a notary is, or what we do. I'm always happy to explain the ins and outs of the notarisation process and the process of completing the documents that you bring to me. If you need to bring your children, dogs or anyone else to your appointment that's absolutely fine.
Depending upon the document and the country involved there's a chance you may need to have your documents legalised, which I can arrange for you for a small fee. All disbursements are charged at cost on top of this. I will break all of the options down by time and cost so that you have full visibility of the entire process.