First step: get written instructions from the overseas lawyer, bank, property professional, registry or other recipient. GOV.UK says to check whether the original or a certified copy is required and whether a particular professional must sign it. A power of attorney is one of the documents that may be legalised after certification by a UK public official, including a notary.
If you already have those instructions, start a free quote request and select “Power of attorney” in the form.
When might a UK notary be needed?
A power of attorney gives another person authority to act on your behalf. For overseas matters, the recipient may ask a notary to authenticate how it was signed or to prepare a notarial document. The Faculty Office regulates Notaries Public in England and Wales; a solicitor is not automatically authorised to carry out a notarial act. Whether notarisation is required in your case depends on the receiving organisation and the country where the document will be used.
Examples include appointing someone to handle a property transaction, bank matter or company task abroad. Ask the recipient for its exact wording, witness, language and legalisation instructions before arranging an appointment. If you need advice about the legal powers the document gives, speak to a suitably qualified lawyer for the relevant country.
What should you confirm before requesting a quote?
- Who will receive it? Name the country and the organisation, and ask for its current written requirements.
- Who supplies the draft? If an overseas lawyer has prepared a form, send it to the prospective notary before booking. Do not sign it in advance unless instructed to do so.
- Who must sign? Confirm the number of signatories, any witnesses and whether the recipient requires the notary to witness signing in person.
- What must be delivered? Check whether the recipient wants a paper original, a certified copy, a translation or a particular number of copies.
- Is legalisation required? Ask whether a UK apostille is needed and whether the recipient accepts a paper or electronic apostille. Check if any further embassy or consular step applies.
- What is the real deadline? Include time for appointment, any legalisation and international delivery.
Ready to compare? Use the quote form above and select “Power of attorney”. Enter where you need a notary, the destination country, your timescale and whether you know if an apostille is needed. A provider may ask for the draft and recipient instructions before confirming a price. Please do not send sensitive documents through the initial form.
Is notarisation the same as an apostille?
No. A UK notary's work and the Legalisation Office's apostille are separate steps. GOV.UK explains that the Legalisation Office checks a signature, stamp or seal against its records before attaching an apostille. Some powers of attorney can be legalised once certified by a UK notary or solicitor, but the overseas recipient decides what it will accept. The Legalisation Office offers paper and electronic apostilles; an electronic version may not suit a recipient that requires paper.
Our notarisation vs apostille guide explains the distinction in more detail. Check the current GOV.UK legalisation requirements and charges before paying for either step.
Is this the same as a lasting power of attorney?
Usually this is a different question. An England and Wales lasting power of attorney (LPA) has its own creation and registration process through the Office of the Public Guardian. GOV.UK says an LPA made under the law of England and Wales is legally binding there and recommends legal advice if you want a power of attorney to have effect elsewhere. Do not assume that notarising or apostilling an LPA makes it acceptable in another country. Check with the overseas recipient and a lawyer familiar with that country's rules.
How should you compare power of attorney quotes?
Ask each notary to price the same draft and recipient instructions. A useful written quote should make these points clear:
- Preparation or review of the document, if needed
- Notarial act and number of signatories
- Identity and authority checks
- Additional witnesses or certified copies
- VAT and any other taxes
- Apostille and handling, if required
- Translation or embassy work, if required
- Courier, delivery and deadline
Ask what is excluded and what would cause the price to change. The lowest notarial fee is not necessarily the lowest total cost if legalisation, translation or delivery is extra. Our quote comparison checklist covers these extras.
Frequently asked questions
Can I sign the power of attorney before seeing the notary?
Ask the notary and overseas recipient first. If the notary must witness your signature, signing beforehand may mean you need to prepare or sign a fresh document.
Will an apostille alone make my power of attorney valid abroad?
An apostille confirms a UK signature, seal or stamp through the Legalisation Office. It does not decide whether the document gives the right powers or meets every requirement of the overseas recipient. Check those requirements before arranging legalisation.
Can Compare Notary draft or notarise my document?
No. Compare Notary is an independent comparison service. Use the form to request quotes from relevant notary providers. The chosen professional can explain what they can do with your document.
Sources and further reading
- GOV.UK: Get your document legalised
- Office of the Public Guardian: Make and register an LPA
- GOV.UK: Notary Public profession and regulation
- Faculty Office: Find a Notary
This is general information for people arranging a service in England or Wales, not legal advice on a power of attorney's validity or effect. The overseas recipient's instructions and current official guidance should govern your next step.