As an increasing number of notarised documents also need to be legalised, this article is produced as a short list of tips for clients requiring notarised documents to be legalised.

Tip 1 – Consider using a Notaries practice to arrange for legalisation on your behalf. The legalisation process can often be time consuming and require attending counter services. Therefore consider using a Notary in London as a cost effective and time efficient solution.

Tip 2 – When using a Notary Public practice, obtain a legalisation fee quote in advance. For most legalisation matters the London Notary should be able to provide a clear fix fee quote in advance. Before engaging a Notary Public for legalisation ensure that the fee and deadline for returning the legalised documents meets your requirements.

Tip 3 – Shop around for legalisation services. As the fees charged by notaries can vary greatly we would suggest comparing prices offered to legalised notarised documents. Also check whether the Notaries practice charges VAT for obtaining the legalised documents, as not all do.

Tip 4 – Provide a clear indication to the Notary Public of the deadline for receipt of legalised documents. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (for Apostilles) and a number of London’s Consulates offer a variety of legalisation services which can cater to more immediate or less pressing legalisation requirements with varying legalisation fees. Therefore ensure you are not paying for a speedy, but costly, legalisation service if the timetable you are working towards does not necessitate such an approach.

Tip 5 – Don’t be afraid to ask your Notary questions about the legalisation process. Any professional and approachable London Notary Public should make themselves available to answer any questions and provide any further information in advance of obtaining the legalised documents. Therefore if you have any questions either phone or email your Notary Public London in advance.