Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the frequently asked questions about our notarial services. If you can’t see your question here, please contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Service Questions
What is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public is a specialist lawyer, qualified to authenticate and certify signatures and documents for use anywhere in the world. In England and Wales, our primary role is to provide independent verification that ensures your documents are legally recognised and accepted by foreign courts, governments, and authorities.
What documents can a notary public certify?
A notary can certify a wide range of documents for use abroad, including powers of attorney, property deeds, educational certificates, birth, marriage, and death certificates, and corporate documents like certificates of incorporation or board resolutions.
What is an Apostille?
An Apostille is an official certificate issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) that validates the seal and signature of the notary on a document, making it legally recognised in countries that are members of the Hague Convention.
Do you handle the Apostille process?
Yes, we offer a comprehensive legalisation service. After notarising your document, we can arrange for it to be sent to the FCDO for an Apostille and, if necessary, to the relevant embassy or consulate for further legalisation.
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We can provide a guide outlining options to obtain an Apostille, contact us to request a no obligation copy.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
You will need to bring the original document to be notarised, proof of identity (such as a valid passport or driving licence), and proof of address (such as a recent utility bill or bank statement) issued within the last three months.
How long does the notarisation process take?
A typical appointment for a single document usually takes around 15–30 minutes. If legalisation (Apostille) is required, the FCDO processing time varies, but we can offer expedited services if you have an urgent deadline.
Frequently Asked Electronic Act Questions
What is a electronic notary act?
A electronic notary act, or e-notarisation, involves the use of advanced electronic signatures to certify documents in a purely digital format. This process is increasingly accepted globally for its security and speed when paper originals are not required.
Is my document eligible for e-notarisation?
Eligibility depends on the receiving jurisdiction and the nature of the document. We recommend checking with your legal advisors abroad or the organisation requesting the notarisation to ensure they accept digital seals and signatures.
How secure is the digital process?
Our electronic acts use Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES), which provide the highest level of security and legal recognition under UK law. The process includes encrypted timestamps and secure identity verification protocols.
Can I get an Apostille for a digital document?
Yes, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) offers an e-Apostille service for documents that have been electronically notarised. We can manage this entire end-to-end digital legalisation process for you.
Travel & Logistics
Mobile Visit Logistics
Can you travel to my home or office?
Yes. Barton Notary provides a mobile service, traveling to residential or commercial addresses. We can complete all required formalities with you at your address.
What areas do you provide mobile notary services to?
We primarily serve Bishop’s Stortford, Harlow, Sawbridgeworth, Stansted, Hertford, Ware, Epping, and surrounding villages. We will review mobile appointment requests for locations within a 30 mile radius of Bishop's Stortford, including London.
Are there additional costs for mobile visits?
Travel costs are calculated based on the distance and time required to reach your location. These will be clearly itemised in your initial quote before the appointment is confirmed.
What do I need to prepare for a home visit?
Ensure all signatories are present with valid original identification (Passport/ Driving Licence) and proof of address. Provide a well-lit, clear table space for the signing and ensure you have received and read the final version of the documents beforehand.