Start here: complete the form above once to request up to three relevant quotes. Compare the full fee, appointment arrangements and turnaround before deciding. The comparison is free and there is no obligation to proceed. Compare Notary is an independent comparison service, not a notary practice.
City guides: London, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff and Leeds
For location-specific appointment and quote questions, read our London notary guide, Birmingham notary guide or Manchester appointment and quote guide, or Cardiff appointment and quote guide, or Leeds city-centre and visit guide, or Liverpool appointment and signatory guide. Each covers local appointment preferences, document preparation and comparing complete fees. Continue below for the national checklist.
What should I check when choosing a local notary?
The nearest office is not automatically the best fit. A notary slightly farther away may understand your destination country's process, offer a faster appointment or include legalisation and delivery in one clear price.
| Check | Why it matters | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation | Notaries Public in England and Wales are regulated through the Faculty Office. | Can I verify your practising details? |
| Relevant experience | Requirements vary by document and destination. | Have you handled this document for this country? |
| Total price | VAT, checks, copies and delivery may be separate. | What is the complete price and what is excluded? |
| Appointment | Some acts require an in-person signature or original documents. | Must I attend, and what should I bring? |
| Turnaround | Notarisation and legalisation have different timescales. | When will the finished document be ready? |
| Aftercare | A rejected document can cause costly delay. | What happens if the authority asks for different wording? |
How can I verify a notary?
The Faculty Office is the approved regulator for Notaries Public in England and Wales. You can read its rules governing notaries. The Notaries Society also explains common notarial services.
Scotland: this comparison service covers England and Wales. For a notary in Scotland, use the Law Society of Scotland's solicitor search.
What information should I send for an accurate quote?
- Your postcode or preferred appointment area
- The exact document type
- The country where it will be used
- Name of the receiving organisation
- Number of documents and copies
- Number of signatories
- Your deadline
- Whether an apostille is requested
Should I email the whole document?
A scan can help a notary confirm the work, but protect sensitive information. Ask what is needed for an initial quote and remove data that is not relevant. Use the provider's secure method if one is available.
Why the destination country is essential
A document accepted in one country may need different wording, an apostille or consular legalisation in another. The receiving authority should confirm its rules.
What should I bring to a notary appointment?
Your notary will give you a specific list. Commonly requested items include:
- the original document and any instructions from the overseas authority;
- a valid passport or photo driving licence;
- recent proof of address;
- supporting evidence, such as company authority or qualification records;
- details of the destination country and deadline.
Do not sign in advance if the notary needs to witness your signature.
Can I use an online or remote notary?
Some stages can be prepared remotely and some electronic notarial acts may be possible. Acceptance depends on the document, the notary's process and the receiving authority. Ask before booking. If an original wet-ink signature or physical seal is required, an in-person or postal step may still be needed.
Can I find a same-day notary near me?
Same-day appointments may be available, especially in larger towns and cities, but urgency can increase the fee. Send clear information early, keep original ID ready and ask whether any verification must be completed before you attend.
If the document also needs an apostille, allow separate processing time. Check the latest timings on GOV.UK.
How much will a local notary cost?
Our reviewed reference for a simple passport copy starts around £80 plus VAT. This is a planning figure, not a fixed local rate or exact quote; mobile visits, urgency, verification and legalisation can change the total. See our full notary cost guide or published fee examples and 2026 benchmarks.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Notary Public the same as a solicitor?
No. Some notaries are also solicitors, but a notary performs a separate public office focused largely on authenticating documents and transactions, often for use abroad.
Do I need the nearest notary?
No. Choose a provider who can meet the document, destination and timing requirements. Travel time matters, but experience and a correct final document matter more.
Will a notary come to my home or office?
Some offer mobile appointments for an additional fee. Ask whether travel time, mileage and parking are included in the quote.
How quickly can a document be notarised?
A simple document may be completed at one appointment if all checks are ready. Company, academic or overseas work can take longer because verification or drafting may be needed.
Can I compare local notary quotes for free?
Yes. Compare Notary lets you request up to three quotes without paying for the comparison and without an obligation to choose one.
Related guides
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Confirm the exact requirements with the organisation receiving your document.