Quick answer: there is no fixed national notary tariff in England and Wales. The total depends on the document, number of signers, verification work, urgency and whether apostille or courier services are included.
Typical notary public fees in 2026
The figures below are practical starting points, not fixed prices. They are shown excluding VAT so you can compare them with quotes that list VAT separately.
| Service | Typical starting price | What can increase it? |
|---|---|---|
| Simple certification, such as a passport copy | From £80 plus VAT | Extra copies, ID checks, urgency or a mobile visit |
| Personal power of attorney, one signature | Around £100 plus VAT | About £50 for each additional signatory, plus drafting or advice |
| Corporate power of attorney | From £180 plus VAT | Number of directors, company searches, authority checks and wording |
| Degree, diploma or transcript | From £90 plus VAT | Institution verification, often from £15, and destination requirements |
| Document review or drafting | From £100 plus VAT | Length, complexity, language and amendments |
Budget tip: ask for the complete price including VAT, government fees, verification, apostille handling and delivery. A low headline fee can become a higher final bill.
Why do notary prices vary?
A notary does more than add a stamp. They may need to verify identity, capacity, authority, signatures, company records or the authenticity of a source document. The destination country can also require specific wording or legalisation.
The main price factors
- Type and number of documents
- Number of people signing
- Identity or company checks
- Original document verification
- Drafting or translation work
- Same-day or out-of-hours service
- Office, mobile or remote appointment
- Apostille, embassy and courier fees
Why destination country matters
The receiving organisation decides what it will accept. Before instructing a notary, ask whether it needs the original or a certified copy, a witnessed signature, an apostille or further embassy legalisation. That information helps the notary quote accurately.
What do published prices look like?
Our research found a wide spread of advertised fees. Some providers publish a fixed first-document price, while others quote by time or complexity. The examples below are anonymised so the comparison stays service agnostic.
| Service | Lower example | Mid-range example | Higher example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passport or ID certification | £60 | £90 | £100 |
| Personal power of attorney | £96 | £145 | £195+ |
| Academic certificate | £90 | £100 | £160 |
| Corporate document or authority check | £100 | £180 | £220+ |
These are reference points, not offers. Providers describe services differently and VAT treatment varies. A tailored written quote is the only reliable comparison.
How much does an apostille add?
The UK Legalisation Office currently charges £45 for a paper apostille, plus return delivery, or £35 for an e-Apostille. Eligibility and processing times differ. A notary or agent may also charge a handling fee. Check the current rules on the GOV.UK legalisation service.
Some public documents can go directly to the Legalisation Office, while private documents or copies may need notarisation first. Our notarisation vs apostille guide explains the difference.
How can I compare notary quotes fairly?
- Send every notary the same document details.
- Name the destination country and receiving organisation.
- Say how many documents, copies and signatories are involved.
- Ask whether VAT and all third-party charges are included.
- Confirm turnaround, appointment format and delivery.
- Check whether later amendments or extra copies cost more.
For a deeper checklist, see our 2026 guide to comparing notary prices.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to notarise a passport in the UK?
A straightforward certified passport copy commonly starts around £80 plus VAT, although published examples range from about £60 to £100. Extra copies, urgent appointments and apostille work can increase the total.
Does a notary charge VAT?
Many notaries charge VAT, but not every published price displays it in the same way. Ask whether the quote is inclusive or exclusive of VAT and whether third-party fees also appear in the total.
Is a solicitor cheaper than a notary?
A solicitor may certify some copies for domestic use, but an overseas authority may specifically require a Notary Public. The GOV.UK certified document guidance explains general certification. Always follow the receiving authority's instructions.
Can a notary give me a price by phone?
They may give a starting price, but a firm quote usually needs a scan of the document, the destination country, the number of signers and your deadline. Remove unnecessary sensitive data before sending documents for an initial quote.
Is the cheapest notary the best choice?
Not always. Compare total price, relevant experience, availability, travel and whether the finished document will meet the receiving authority's rules.
Official sources and further reading
- GOV.UK: Get your document legalised
- Faculty Office: Rules governing Notaries Public
- The Notaries Society: What a notary does
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and government charges can change. Confirm the latest requirements with the receiving authority and your chosen provider.