Notary Public Oxford

Welcome to the website of Sunita Kumeri, Notary Public

I am a Notary Public offering my Notarial services in Oxford and the surrounding areas.

I carry out home visits and or office visits to ensure that your notarial needs can be met. I also offer a mobile notary service during and out of office hours.

All visits are carried out with minimal disruption to you and we will endeavour to ensure the matter is progressed as smoothly as possible for you.

Please contact me to arrange an appointment or to obtain a quotation.

In addition to English, I also offer my services to clients who speak Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi and Gujarati.

Below are some of the questions I am most frequently asked. Please click on a link to see the answer or contact me directly if you need further information or would like to arrange an appointment.

• What is a Notary Public?
• Service Information - Examples of where you may need a Notary Public
• Do I need an Apostille or Legalisation?
• Identification requirements
• How much does it cost for notarisation?
• Data Protection Privacy Notice
• Complaints
• Redress Information / Indemnity Information
• Regulatory Information
• Data Processing Terms
• How do the services of a Notary Public differ from a Solicitor?

What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public is a public official who is authorised to perform certain legal tasks, such as witnessing signatures on documents and administering oaths. Their primary function is to serve as an impartial witness when important documents are signed.

The duties of a notary public may include:

1. Verifying the identity of the signers of documents
2. Ensuring that the signers of documents are signing them voluntarily and not under duress
3. Certifying copies of documents as true and correct copies
4. Administering oaths or affirmations for affidavits or declarations
5. Witnessing the signing of wills, powers of attorney, and other legal documents

Notaries public play an important role in the legal system by providing an impartial witness to the signing of important documents, which helps prevent fraud and ensures that legal processes are carried out properly.

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Examples of where you may need a Notary Public

In England, some examples of where you might require a notary public include:

• International business transactions: If you are conducting business with a foreign entity or individual, you may require the services of a notary public to authenticate documents, such as contracts, deeds, or powers of attorney, that are intended for use abroad.
• Property transactions: If you are buying or selling property, you may require a notary public to witness the signing of documents, such as the transfer deed, mortgage deed, or lease agreement, to ensure that the legal requirements are met.
• Powers of attorney: If you need to grant someone the power of attorney to act on your behalf, for example, when you are overseas, you may require the services of a notary public to authenticate the power of attorney document.
• Affidavits or declarations: If you need to make a sworn statement or declaration, such as a statutory declaration or an affidavit, you may require the services of a notary public to administer the oath or affirmation.
• Copy certifications: If you need certified copies of important documents, such as your passport or educational certificates, you may require the services of a notary public to certify the copies as true and correct.

It's important to note that the specific requirements for notarization may vary depending on the type of document and the intended use, so it's always best to check with the relevant authorities or legal professionals for guidance.

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Do I need an Apostille or Legalisation?

Legalisation and Apostille are two different processes used to authenticate documents for use in foreign countries. These processes are important for ensuring that documents from one country are recognised as valid in another. Here's an explanation of both concepts:

1. Legalisation:

   • Legalisation is a process by which a document issued in one country is authenticated by the relevant authorities to make it acceptable in another country.
   • The process typically involves having the document certified by various authorities, such as government offices, embassies, or consulates.
   • Each country may have its own specific requirements for the legalisation of documents, so it's essential to follow the procedures outlined by the destination country.

2. Apostille:

   • An apostille is a specific form of authentication that is recognised internationally under the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents.
   • The apostille is a certificate issued by a designated authority in the country where the document was issued. It verifies the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person signing the document acted, and the identity of any stamp or seal affixed to the document.
   • The apostille is a simplified method of authentication, designed to streamline the process for documents that need to be used in countries that are parties to the Hague Convention.

In the United Kingdom, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is often involved in the apostille process. If a document requires an apostille, it means that the document has been certified by the FCO to be used in countries that are part of the Hague Convention. If the destination country is not a member of the Hague Convention, the document may need to go through a full legalisation process.

It's important to check the specific requirements of the destination country and follow the appropriate procedures to ensure that your documents are properly authenticated for use abroad.

We offer a standard Apostille service with a timeline of 10 working days or a premium service for urgent matters usually with a timeline of 24 to 36 hours.

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Identification requirements

Money laundering regulations in the UK require that a Notary must confirm your identity. Each person signing the document must provide at least one of the following:

• A valid passport
• Driving licence with photo ID card
• Any other official government issue ID card (with photo and signature)
• National identity card (only for EEA state members)
• Armed forces pass (with photo and signature)
• Residence permit (where relevant)
• Firearms licence (with photo and signature)

Proof of your address must also be priovided via one of the following documents:

• Recent bank statement or letter from bank
• Recent utility bill or council tax bill (not a mobile phone bill)
• Tenancy agreement or Housing Association rent card for your current address
• Inland Revenue tax demand or self assessment statement

If acting on behalf of a Corporation you must also provide evidence of the incorporation of the company. This can be via one of the following documents:

• Certificate of incorporation
• Latest report and audited accounts
• Extract from the company register
• Up to date certified copy of partnership agreement;
• Evidence of being regulated by a regulatory body such as the Law Society or FSA.

In addition to the listed requirements, each signatory must also produce one of the identification documents mentioned above.

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How much does it cost for notarisation?

• The current hourly rate is £280.00 +VAT. The minimum fee charged for dealing with a single document dependent on what it is and your requirements is normally £80.00 +VAT.
• Once I have seen your documents and confirmed your instructions, I will be able to give you an indication or estimate of the likely charges. I reserve the right to revise any estimations given where it would be significantly different from your initial instructions.

Extra fees will be payable if your document requires legalisation at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and/or a Foreign Embassy. There may also be agent’s fees or translator’s fees. Other payments may be required including travelling expenses. You will be advised on all charges and you will be responsible for them and payment will be made in advance of any such costs.

Our fee will depend on what we are required to do for you and will be based on factors such as urgency and the amount of time that is spent on a matter.

Please note that any documents posted by me are posted at your risk. We cannot accept liability for its loss or cost for a replacement document.

Please visit the Contact Me page to obtain a quotation.

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Redress Information / Indemnity Information

My professional indemnity insurance is in the sum of £2,000,000.

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Regulatory Information

My notarial practice is regulated through the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury.

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How do the services of a Notary Public differ from a Solicitor?

A Notary Public and a solicitor in the UK are distinct legal professions, each with its own set of responsibilities and functions. Here are key differences between a Notary Public and a solicitor:

Notary Public:

1. Specialisation: Notaries public specialise in the authentication and certification of documents for use abroad. They deal with legal matters that have an international aspect.

2. Training and Appointment: Notaries are usually qualified lawyers who have undergone additional training specifically for notarial practice. They are appointed by the Master of the Faculties (in England and Wales).

3. International Focus: Notaries primarily handle transactions and documents that involve foreign jurisdictions. They ensure the legality and validity of documents for use in other countries.

4. Notarisation Acts: Notaries can perform acts such as certifying copies of documents, verifying signatures, administering oaths and affirmations, and preparing notarial certificates.

5. Independence: Notaries operate independently and are not typically involved in providing legal advice. They serve as impartial witnesses to the signing of documents.

Solicitor:

1. General Legal Practice: Solicitors are legal professionals who offer a broad range of legal services to individuals, businesses, and organisations. Their practice can encompass various areas of law, including family law, criminal law, commercial law, and more.

2. Training: Solicitors undergo extensive legal training, including academic study and practical training through a period of recognised training, often referred to as a training contract.

3. Legal Advice and Representation: Solicitors provide legal advice, draft legal documents, and represent clients in legal proceedings. They may appear in court on behalf of their clients.

4. Client Relationships: Solicitors often have ongoing relationships with clients, providing advice on a variety of legal matters. They work to protect their clients' interests in legal transactions and disputes.

5. Regulation: Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) in England and Wales.

While there may be individuals who are both solicitors and Notaries Public, the roles are distinct. A solicitor can choose to become a Notary Public by undergoing additional training, but being a solicitor is not a prerequisite for becoming a Notary Public. The decision to seek services from a solicitor or a Notary Public depends on the specific legal needs of the individual or business.

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