London Notary Publics are most commonly used when a document needs to be witnessed, authorised or certified as legitimate for use in a foreign jurisdiction. In order to have the authority to carry out these functions, an individual must have qualified as a Notary Public and be recognised by the Master of the Faculties.

The path to becoming a Notary Public is a three stage process involving academic and professional training before Admission. It is important to mention that this process does not apply to Notary Publics already qualified in Scotland, Northern Ireland, the EU or the European Free Trade Area although in some cases notaries from these locations may be required to pass an aptitude test.

In order to be admitted as a Notary Public a person must be at least 21 years of age, have taken the oath of allegiance under the Public Notaries Act 1843 and have a degree in law or hold a position as a solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales or a barrister at law. Individuals that qualified within the last 5 years need not undertake further study as they are presumed to have adequate knowledge of the fundamental subjects; Public & Constitutional Law, The Law of Property, The Law of Contract, The Law of the European Union, Equity and the Law of Trusts; Conveyancing, The Law and Practice of Companies and Partnership, Wills, Probate and Administration. Solicitors and barristers who qualified over 5 years ago may also be deemed exempt from academic training if it is found they have sufficient experience in these areas. A certificate of exemption is granted by the Master’s Qualifications Board and must be obtained prior to commencing the Notary Public Course course.

The professional component is fulfilled by completing the Notarial Practice Course at University College London. The 2 year course covers subjects such as Roman law as an Introduction to Civil-Law Systems, Private International Law and Notarial Practice.

Having passed the Notary Public Practice Course, applicants are then required to attend a one day Office Practice Course. Following this, a formal application can be made to the Faculty Office for Admission to the Roll of Notaries. References are taken by the Faculty Office on behalf of the Master of the Faculties and, if found to be acceptable, an individual is admitted to the Notarial profession.

For full details about the London Notary Public qualification course and procedure please contact The Faculty Office email faculty.office@1thesanctuary.com or visit the website www.facultyoffice.org.uk.

If you have any questions about the work we do here at London Notary Public please get in touch with M D Pryke Notary Public via the usual channels.