Documents & Certification · Global
What does a notary (or notarisation) do?
Simple answer
A notary is an authorised professional who can formally witness signatures, certify copies, or prepare certain declarations so other authorities are more willing to trust them. Notarisation is that formal act — it is not the same as an apostille.
What it means
Notaries (and similar roles under other legal systems) help prove that a signature was made by a particular person, or that a copy matches an original. Immigration authorities sometimes ask for notarised documents; sometimes they ask for something else entirely.
What you may need to do
Read the checklist carefully: “notarised”, “certified true copy”, “apostilled”, and “legalised” are different instructions. Use a properly authorised notary or equivalent in the place the document needs to be notarised.
Country / visa warning
Who may act as a notary, and whether a solicitor/advocate/commissioner for oaths is accepted instead, depends on local law and on what the receiving authority will accept. Do not assume a home-country notary is accepted everywhere.
Next action
Match the exact wording on your visa checklist. If it only says “notarised”, do not add an apostille unless the checklist or official guidance also asks for one.
Government source: www.facultyoffice.org.uk/notaries/ · Reviewed
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