Services & Features
Notarial Services
We offer a wide range of notarial services to support individuals, families, and businesses with international documentation. All services are provided with professionalism, speed, and attention to detail.
For Individuals
01
Powers of Attorney
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document where one person (called the principal/donor) authorises another person (the attorney/agent) to act on their behalf in certain matters. These matters can be general (broad management of affairs) or specific (limited to one transaction, such as selling a property).
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Who signs before the notary:
⦁ The principal/donor (the person granting the authority) must sign the POA before a notary to formally give legal effect to it.
⦁ Two witnesses must sign to give the POA legal validity in accordance to English Law.
⦁ The attorney/agent usually does not need to sign before the notary unless the document or local law requires their acceptance.
In practice: The notary’s role is to verify the identity, capacity, and intent of the principal/donor when executing the POA.
02
Statutory Declarations
A Statutory Declaration is a written statement of fact that the declarant solemnly affirms to be true, signed in the presence of an authorised witness such as a notary public (mainly when the declaration has to be used abroad), solicitor, or commissioner for oaths. It is commonly used where there is no formal evidence available, but a legal or official confirmation of facts is required.
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Examples of use include:
⦁ Confirming identity, nationality, or marital status
⦁ Declaring loss of documents (e.g., passport, share certificate)
⦁ Making statements required by government departments, banks, or courts
⦁ Business or property-related declarations
Who should come to sign before a notary?
The person making the declaration (the declarant) must attend in person before the notary, bringing:
⦁ The declaration document (drafted in the required format)
⦁ Valid proof of identity (passport/ID card)
⦁ Any supporting documents if relevant
03
Affidavits/Oaths
An Affidavit/Oath is a written statement of facts that the person making it (the deponent) swears or affirms to be true before a notary or other authorised official.
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Purpose: It is commonly used as formal evidence in legal, administrative, or official proceedings.
Content: The document sets out facts in writing, followed by a Jurat where the notary records that the deponent has sworn/affirmed its truth.
Who should come to sign before a notary?
⦁ The deponent (the individual making the affidavit or oath) must appear in person before the notary.
⦁ The notary then administers the oath/affirmation and witnesses the signature.
In short: the person making the sworn statement (the deponent) must attend and sign before the notary.
04
Passports and Copy Passports
Photocopies or scanned images of an individual’s passport, often required for identification or verification purposes.
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If the copies are intended to be certified as true copies by a notary, then the passport holders themselves must appear before the notary and present the original passports. The notary will compare the originals with the copies and then attest that the copies are true and accurate reproductions.
Who should come before a notary?
⦁ The individual(s) whose passports are being copied, bringing both the original passports and the copies to be notarised.
05
Original and Copy Documents
Original documents are presented, and the notary certifies that a copy made from them is a true and accurate reproduction of the original. The notary does not verify the content or authenticity of the original itself, only that the copy matches it. In some cases a declaration by the individual may be needed.
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Who should come before a notary?
⦁ The holder/owner of the original document (e.g., passport, degree, certificate, contract, corporate document, etc.) with the original document or copy.
⦁ Usually no witnesses are required—just the person presenting the original.
Typical examples:
⦁ An individual needing a notarised copy of their passport, ID, birth certificate, or Decree Absolute/Final Order.
06
Witness Statements/Statements/Declarations
A witness statement / statement / declaration is a written document in which a person sets out facts known to them, usually in their own words, and signs to confirm its truth.
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⦁ Witness Statement – often used in litigation or tribunal proceedings, setting out evidence the person will rely on.
⦁ Statement/Declaration – can be used in a variety of contexts (administrative, legal, commercial) where someone needs to formally record or confirm facts.
Who should come before a notary?
⦁ The person making the statement/declaration (the “deponent” or “declarant”).
⦁ In some cases, the notary may also need to identify and record details of any witnesses if the document requires witnessing.
The notary’s role is to verify the identity of the person making the statement, ensure they understand its contents, and witness their signature.
07
Application Forms
An Application Form is usually a generic document used to formally request or apply for something — for example, a visa, a university place, a licence, a job, or a financial product. The form usually contains personal details, declarations, and supporting information.
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If the application form requires notarisation, it usually means that:
⦁ The applicant (the person making the application) must appear before a notary to sign it.
⦁ In some cases, if the form includes statements of consent, parental permissions, affidavits, or declarations, then parents, guardians, spouses, or company representatives may also need to sign in front of the notary.
⦁ The notary’s role is to verify the identity of the signatory, ensure they understand the contents, and then witness and notarise the signature.
In short: The person(s) making the application (the applicant or authorised signatory) should come before the notary to sign the form.
08
Educational qualifications
An educational qualifications document is typically a certificate, diploma, degree, or transcript issued by a school, university, or other academic institution. It serves as official proof of someone’s studies and achievements.
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Who should come to sign before a notary:
⦁ The holder of the qualification (the student/graduate) usually attends before a notary to make a declaration that the document is genuine and belongs to them or to be identified through an ID document.
⦁ Sometimes, if required, the educational institution or its authorised officer may also issue or authenticate copies directly, but usually it is the individual who brings the original for notarisation.
09
Property Purchases/Mortgage Documents
This type of document relates to the purchase of real estate or the granting of a mortgage/loan secured against property. It usually records the agreement between the buyer, seller, and/or lender, and creates legally binding rights and obligations concerning ownership and security interests in the property.
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Who should come to sign before a notary?
⦁ The purchaser/buyer – to execute the deed of purchase/transfer.
⦁ The seller/vendor – to transfer ownership.
⦁ The lender/bank/financial institution (or their authorised representative) – if a mortgage deed is being executed.
⦁ Any guarantors or co-owners – if required by the mortgage terms or the ownership structure.
In practice, the exact signatories depend on the transaction:
⦁ Purchase only → buyer(s) and seller(s).
⦁ Mortgage only → borrower(s) and lender’s authorised signatory.
⦁ Purchase with mortgage → buyer(s), seller(s), and lender’s representative.
10
Adoption Documents
An Adoption Document is a legal instrument used to formalize the transfer of parental rights and responsibilities over a child from the biological parent(s) (or legal guardian) to the adoptive parent(s). These documents can include adoption agreements, consents, court orders, or powers of attorney relating to adoption proceedings.
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When such a document is to be signed before a notary, it is usually because the law requires authentication of the identity, capacity, and free will of the signatories.
Who should come to sign before a notary (depending on the case and jurisdiction)?
⦁ Biological parent(s) / legal guardian(s): to provide formal consent to the adoption.
⦁ Adoptive parent(s): to accept parental responsibility and rights.
⦁ Sometimes the adoptee (if of sufficient age): in certain jurisdictions, older children must give their consent as well.
⦁ Any legal representatives (where applicable): e.g., if a parent has an attorney acting under power of attorney.
11
Depositions (USA)
A Deposition is a formal statement made under oath, typically recorded in writing or on video, often used as evidence in legal proceedings. It usually involves a witness or a party to a case answering questions posed by lawyers before a trial.
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Who should come to sign before a notary?
⦁ The person giving the deposition (the deponent) usually signs the document to confirm that their statements are true and accurate.
⦁ In some cases, the court reporter or the person who prepared the deposition may also sign or certify it.
⦁ The notary public witnesses the deponent’s signature and notarizes the document to authenticate that it was signed under oath.
12
Acknowledgment (USA)
An “Acknowledgment” is a form of proof in which a party to a document or deed attends before a notary to acknowledge that the document or deed was executed by him or her. It does not require the notary to be present to witness the execution of the document or deed. The notary’s role is to verify the signer’s identity and then notarize the document to confirm its authenticity. Requirements vary from State to State and may also depend on the nature of the document or deed so there are no fixed rules about when witnesses are required and how many and whether or not the notary can also be a witness.
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Who should come to sign before a notary?
⦁ The signer must appear in person before the notary; someone else cannot sign on their behalf.
⦁ If the document involves multiple parties (e.g., a joint deed), all signers must appear individually before the notary.
In short, anyone who needs their signature officially recognized under U.S. notarial law should come to sign.
If your document is not in the list do not worry and contact us to find a solution.
For Companies
For Companies
01
Powers of Attorney
A Power of Attorney (POA) for companies is a legal document through which a company (the “principal”) authorizes one or more individuals (the “attorneys” or “agents”) to act on its behalf in specific matters. This can include managing contracts, signing documents, handling banking transactions, or representing the company in legal or administrative proceedings. The powers granted can be broad or limited to specific tasks.
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Who should come to sign before a notary?
⦁ Typically, the company’s directors must sign the POA on behalf of the company.
⦁ In many jurisdictions, the company’s secretary or a witness may also be required, depending on the company’s articles of association and local corporate law.
⦁ If the company is represented by a board resolution, the resolution approving the POA may need to be attached and also notarized.
02
Affidavits/Oaths
An Affidavit for Companies is a formal, sworn written statement used by a company to declare certain facts to be true. It is typically used for legal, administrative, or business purposes, such as confirming the company’s structure, ownership, directors, registered office, or financial matters.
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Who should come to sign before a notary?
⦁ Usually, a director, company secretary, or other authorized officer of the company who has the legal authority to make declarations on behalf of the company.
⦁ Some affidavits may also require a witness, depending on the jurisdiction or the purpose of the affidavit.
03
Statutory Declarations
A Statutory Declaration for companies is a formal, written statement made under oath or affirmation, declaring that certain facts about a company are true. It is usually required for official, legal, or administrative purposes, such as confirming company ownership, the accuracy of company records, compliance with regulations, or the authority of company representatives. These declarations carry legal weight, and making a false declaration can have serious consequences.
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Who should come to sign before a notary?
⦁ Typically, a director, company secretary, or other authorized officer of the company, depending on the company’s internal rules and the specific purpose of the declaration.
⦁ The person signing must have authority to make the declaration on behalf of the company.
⦁ A notary public will witness the signature, verify the identity of the signatory, and certify the declaration.
04
Good Standing Certificates
A Good Standing Certificate is an official certificate issued by a government or regulatory authority confirming that a company is legally registered, up-to-date with its filings, and compliant with relevant regulations. It shows that the company is in “good standing” and authorized to conduct business.
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Who should come before a notary?
⦁ Typically, company directors or authorized officers (e.g., CEO, managing director, company secretary) who are legally empowered to represent the company.
⦁ Sometimes, a legal representative or attorney with a power of attorney may appear if the directors cannot attend.
The notary’s role is usually to verify the identity of the person signing and confirm that they are authorized to act on behalf of the company.
05
Certificates of Incorporation
A Certificates of Incorporation is an official certificate issued by a government authority (e.g., Companies House in the UK) that confirms a company has been legally registered and exists as a corporate entity. It usually includes the company’s name, registration number, date of incorporation, and the type of company (e.g., limited company).
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Who should come before a notary?
⦁ Typically, a director of the company should come to the notary to have the certificate notarized, especially if it needs to be certified for use abroad (e.g., for opening bank accounts, legal transactions, or foreign registration).
⦁ If the company is represented by someone else, a power of attorney may also be required.
06
Memorandum and Articles of Association
Memorandum and Articles of Association are the foundational constitutional documents of a company. The Memorandum of Association sets out the company’s name, registered office, business objectives, and shareholder details. The Articles of Association outline the internal rules for management, decision-making, and governance of the company.
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Who should come before a notary?
⦁ Typically, a director should come to the notary to have the certificate notarized.
⦁ If the company is represented by someone else, a power of attorney may also be required.
07
Loan Agreements
A Loan Agreement is usually a legal contract outlining the terms under which a company borrows money from a lender.
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It typically includes details such as:
⦁ The amount of the loan
⦁ Interest rate and repayment schedule
⦁ Obligations and rights of both lender and borrower
⦁ Security or guarantees, if any
⦁ Default clauses and remedies
Who should come before a notary?
⦁ Typically, a director should come to the notary.
⦁ If the company is represented by someone else, a power of attorney may also be required.
⦁ The lender or their authorized representative if required.
A notary verifies the identity of the signatories, ensures they have the authority to sign on behalf of the company to make the agreement legally enforceable.
08
Property Purchases
A purchase of property by a company would typically include details such as the property being acquired, the purchase price, payment terms, and the legal obligations of the company as the buyer. It may also outline approvals from the company’s board or shareholders if required under company law.
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Who should come to sign before a notary:
⦁ Typically, a director should come to the notary.
⦁ If the company is represented by someone else, a power of attorney may also be required.
⦁ If the company requires it, a company secretary or shareholder representative may also need to sign or witness the approval.
Essentially, anyone signing must have the legal authority to bind the company to the property purchase.
09
Bill of Sale
A Bill of Sale is legal instruments used to transfer ownership of company assets (such as equipment, inventory, or other tangible property) from one party to another. They formalize the sale and help protect both buyer and seller by providing evidence of the transaction.
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Who should come to sign before a notary?
⦁ Directors or Authorized representatives of the company selling the assets
⦁ Directors or Authorized representatives of the company buying the assets (if applicable)
The notary’s role is to verify identities, confirm that the signatories have authority, and witness the signatures.
10
Maritime Bills of Sale
Maritime Bills of Sale are legal instruments used to transfer ownership of a vessel (ship, boat, or yacht) from one entity to another. They serve as official proof of the sale and are often required for registration, financing, or legal purposes in maritime law.
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Who should come to sign before a notary?
⦁ Seller: The company currently owning the vessel, typically represented by an authorized director or officer.
⦁ Buyer: The company acquiring the vessel, also represented by an authorized director or officer.
⦁ In some cases, the company secretary or other authorized representative may also be involved if the company’s internal rules require it.
The notary’s role is to witness the signatures, verify the identity of the representatives, and ensure that the execution complies with legal formalities.
11
Ship Mortgages
Ship Mortgages create a legal charge over a ship owned by a company, typically to secure a loan or other financial obligation. It sets out the terms under which the lender has rights over the ship if the company defaults. It usually includes details of the ship, the company, the lender, the amount secured, and any conditions or covenants.
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Who should come to sign before a notary?
⦁ An authorised representative of the company (e.g., director or someone with company-mandated authority to execute contracts/mortgages).
⦁ The notary witnesses the signature and certifies that it was executed properly, often with corporate documentation (like a board resolution) proving authority to sign.
If your document is not in the list do not worry and contact us to find a solution.
Legalisation & Consularisation
Apostille and Legalisation
An Apostille is an official certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) that confirms the authenticity of a UK document, its signature, stamp, or seal. This process ensures that the document will be legally recognised in any country that is a member of the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961 (also known as the Apostille Convention).
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The Apostille is typically affixed to the original document — or, in some cases, to a notarised copy — by the FCDO. Once issued, it certifies that:
⦁ The document was signed by an authorised person (such as a Notary Public, Registrar, or public official)
⦁ The capacity in which that person was acting
⦁ The authenticity of any seal or stamp on the document.
Without an Apostille, many foreign authorities will not accept UK-issued documents for official purposes abroad.
When are Apostille Services Needed?
Apostille services are often required when you need to present UK documents for official or legal purposes in another Hague Convention country. These may include, but are not limited to:
Personal Documents:
⦁ Birth, marriage, or death certificates
⦁ Educational qualifications (degrees, diplomas, transcripts)
⦁ Criminal record checks (ACRO, DBS)
⦁ Certificates of name change or adoption records
Business & Corporate Documents:
⦁ Certificates of incorporation or good standing
⦁ Powers of attorney or letters of authorisation
⦁ Company resolutions, shareholder agreements, and partnership deeds
⦁ Commercial contracts, invoices, or trade-related documentation
Legal & Court Documents:
⦁ Court orders and judgments
⦁ Affidavits and statutory declarations
⦁ Wills, grants of probate, and estate-related documents
⦁ Adoption papers or guardianship orders
Countries That Accept Apostilles
An Apostille is recognised by all member countries of the Hague Apostille Convention, which includes most European nations, the USA, Australia, and many others. For countries not part of the Hague Convention, documents may require a different form of legalisation — often involving both the FCDO and the relevant foreign embassy or consulate (see section “Consularisation”.
Our Role in the Process
At D’Aleo Public Notaries, we offer a complete Apostille service in London, ensuring your documents are correctly prepared, certified, and ready for use abroad. Our service includes:
⦁ Document Verification – We carefully check your documents to ensure they meet the Apostille requirements and advise on any additional steps needed.
⦁ Notarisation – If your documents are not yet notarised, we can notarise them promptly and in compliance with legal standards.
⦁ Submission to the FCDO – We arrange the secure submission of your documents to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for Apostille certification.
⦁ Expedited Apostille Services – For urgent matters, we can fast-track the process to ensure your documents are certified as quickly as possible.
⦁ Secure Document Delivery – Once the Apostille is issued, we can return the documents to you securely or send them directly to your recipient abroad, using trusted courier services.
Consular Legalisation Services
If your document is intended for use in a country that is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, an Apostille alone will usually not be sufficient. Instead, you may need consular legalisation (also known as consularisation or super-legalisation).
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What is Consular Legalisation?
Consular legalisation is the process by which the embassy or consulate of the destination country certifies your document so it will be accepted there. This involves verifying the authenticity of the notary’s signature and seal, as well as the Apostille issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
(For example, a document for use in Thailand will first be apostilled by the FCDO, then submitted to the Royal Thai Embassy in London, which certifies the FCDO’s signature and seal)
When is it Needed?
⦁ Non-Hague Countries – If the country is not a party to the Hague Convention, consular legalisation is almost always required.
⦁ Commonwealth Exceptions – Many Commonwealth countries do not require consular legalisation (e.g., Singapore, in most cases). However, some, such as Cameroon and Mozambique, do — because they are not Hague members and do not have the same historical UK ties as “founder” members.
⦁ Crown Dependencies & Overseas Territories – No apostille or consular legalisation is usually required for these jurisdictions.
Because requirements vary between countries — and even between document types — we will confirm the exact procedure for your case. If you have a lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction, it will be usually preferable to ask for their legal advice.
Our Role in the Process
At D’Aleo Public Notaries, we:
⦁ Check Requirements – Identify whether your destination country needs an apostille, consular legalisation, or both.
⦁ Prepare & Notarise – Ensure your documents meet all formal requirements.
⦁ Arrange Legalisation – Submit your documents to the FCDO and the relevant embassy/consulate in London (or abroad, if no UK representation exists).
⦁ Secure Return/Delivery – Return the legalised documents to you or send them directly to your recipient overseas.
If your document is not in the list do not worry and contact us to find a solution.
Remote Services
Remote Notarisation
Remote notarisation allows you to have your documents notarised securely online, without the need to attend our office in person.
Through a live video meeting, we verify your identity, witness your electronic signature, and apply a digital notarial seal — all in compliance with strict legal and security requirements.
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Why Choose Remote Notarisation?
⦁ Convenient – Complete the process from your home or office, without travelling.
⦁ Accessible Worldwide – Perfect for clients based abroad or unable to visit us in person.
⦁ Secure – Advanced identity checks and encryption protect the integrity of your documents.
⦁ Flexible – Appointments available at times to suit your schedule.
How does it work?
⦁ Schedule your appointment, give us a call or email us to book a session that suits your schedule.
⦁ Email us your documents so we can work together to ensure they are prepared and meet all requirements.
⦁ We email you the finalised documents ready for the secure video conference (VC).
⦁ You will be invited to a VC for identity verification and document signing.
⦁ You sign the document with electronic signature under the supervision of the Notary.
With D’Aleo Public Notaries, you can have your documents notarised quickly, securely, and from anywhere in the world.
Mobile Notary
We are pleased to offer mobile notary services and can visit your home or office to notarise your documents at your convenience.
If you would like to arrange a visit, please let us know.
Please note that a call-out fee applies for mobile notary appointments, which will be charged in addition to our standard notarial fees and any related disbursements.
If your document is not in the list do not worry and contact us to find a solution.
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