Who Can Certify A Document in the UK?

When a document is certified its validity is confirmed. So when do you have to have this service carried out?

When Do You Need a Certified Document?

When opening a bank account or applying for a mortgage you may be required to provide a certified document copy, and some paper passport applications and photos must be signed by a third party, the ‘countersignatory’. The main reason that certified copies are required is to avoid fraud.

Who Can Certify Documents in the UK?

Anyone who is a member of a profession or has good standing in the community can certify a document. The professions include:

Notary Public . Solicitor . Commissioner for Oaths . Member of Parliament, or Assembly Member in Scotland/Wales/Northern Ireland . Chartered Accountant . Serving police officer . Bank or Building Society official . Dentist . Chartered Surveyor . Doctor . Embassy, high commission or consulate officer in the country of issue . Minister of Religion . FCA-regulated person . Councillor . Post office official . Social worker.

The list is by no means exclusive, and you should remember that there are other restrictions. The person should not be related to you, in a relationship with you or live at the same address.

Is There a Cost Attached to Certification?

The cost will depend on the professional involved, the complexity of the document and whether the document is to be used outside the UK. Check at the outset with the person certifying. If the document is to be used abroad, then it is most likely you will need to employ the services of Notary Public, who specialises in certifying official documents. If you are looking for notary services London, a quick search online will help to find companies such as Bridge Law Solicitors.

Why Use a Notary?

Notaries have to undertake a training course which lasts two years and covers all aspects of certification across jurisdictions. When you visit they will explain the process, and it is then their responsibility to ensure that it is carried out correctly. Although other professions can certify documents, notaries are recognised as the most reliable authenticators of documents across jurisdictions around the world.