Meeting Business

MEETING THE NOTARY PUBLIC – BUSINESSES

In the case of corporate / business clients it is usually the company or corporate entity (acting through its authorised representative) that is in effect executing the document(s) that require notarisation by the Notary Public. (However in some instances the representative / officer of the company may be representing himself/ herself albeit acting in the course of his/her professional duties e.g. swearing a personal affidavit/statement).

CORPORATE IDENTITY

The Notary Public (in addition to checking the personal identity of the person signing the document on behalf of the company/ corporate entity) will need to establish that the company or organisation actually exists. Accordingly for UK registered entities, the Notary Public will generally conduct checks through the online portal at Companies House Direct to ensure that the company/entity exists.

In some cases (particularly for companies or organisations established overseas) the notary may ask you to produce certain documents. These might include a certificate of incorporation, certificate of good standing or overseas registration details.

Identification documents required:

  • Passport or other personal identification document (e.g. driving licence) pertaining to the officer of the company appearing before the Notary Public plus a recent item proving their address
  • Companies House incorporation documents (the Notary Public will either ask for these or obtain these herself from Companies House online)

AUTHORITY

The Notary Public will also need to satisfy herself that the authorised representative / officer does indeed have authority to represent that company or organisation. The Notary Public may therefore ask for additional documents such as:

  • A board resolution
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association
  • Other documents confirming the chain of authority as appropriate

COUNTRY SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS

You may have received specific instructions from your legal counsel/ lawyer overseas regarding the documents to be notarised. If so, such information should be relayed to the Notary Public so that she can ascertain the requirements of your legal counsel overseas.

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