What is a notary?
A notary is a qualified lawyer – a member of the oldest branch of the legal profession in the United Kingdom. Notaries are appointed by the Court of Facilities of the Archbishop of Canterbury and are subject to regulation by the Master of the Faculties.
What services do notaries provide?
Notaries are primarily concerned with the authentication and certification of signatures, authority and capacity relating to documents for use abroad. They are also authorised to conduct general legal practice (excluding the conduct of court proceedings) such as conveyancing and probate. They may exercise the powers of a Commissioner for Oaths.
The majority of Notaries Public also practise as solicitors but the Scrivener Notaries do not, nor do some 150 of the general notaries.
Where does a notary work?
Notaries may work in legal practices, alternative business structures or independently.