If you’ve ever been asked to get a document certified, you might have wondered: Do I need a solicitor or a notary public? While both professionals can certify documents, their roles, qualifications, and responsibilities are distinct. Understanding the difference between a notary and a solicitor is essential to ensure your documents are handled correctly, especially if they are intended for use abroad.
In this comprehensive article we’ll explain the key differences, provide examples of the types of documents each one deals with, and help you decide whether you need a notary public or a solicitor.
What is the main difference between a notary and a solicitor in the UK?”
In the UK, the main difference is jurisdiction and function. Solicitors handle a wide array of legal matters within the UK legal system, while notaries public primarily authenticate and certify documents for use outside of the UK.
What Is a Solicitor?
A solicitor is a legal professional qualified to offer legal advice, prepare legal documents, and represent clients in lower courts. In the UK, solicitors handle a wide range of legal matters, including:
- Conveyancing (buying/selling property)
- Wills and probate
- Family law (divorce, custody)
- Criminal law
- Business law and contracts
Solicitors can also certify copies of documents and witness signatures, primarily for documents used within the UK. However, it is now growing the requests for solicitors to certify documents particularly for countries in Europe and the Middle East, such as the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as being the most cost-effective option available.
Solicitors are regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and a majority of them are not registered with the UK FCDO for legalisation purposes.
WLS has a in-house SRA certified solicitor whose signature is already registered with the FCDO. Learn more about our Solicitor Certification Services.
What Is a Notary Public?
A notary public (or notary) is a qualified lawyer who has completed additional training to specialise in authenticating and certifying documents for international use. Their work ensures documents are legally valid and recognised in foreign countries.
Notaries are regulated by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury and they are all registered with the UK FCDO for legalisation purposes.
Notaries deal with:
- Certifying passports, driving licences, or any other UK private documents for international use
- Witnessing Powers of Attorney or Statutory Declarations for use abroad
- Certifying academic qualifications for overseas employment or study
- Authenticating any type of business documents for international transactions
The notary’s signature and seal confirm the authenticity of the document, making it acceptable to foreign authorities, embassies, and consulates.
Learn More About Notary Public Services.
Notary vs Solicitor: Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Solicitor | Notary Public |
| Purpose | Legal advice, representation, and certification mostly for UK use. Some specific countries accept solicitor certification | Certification/authentication of documents for international use |
| Regulation | Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) | Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury |
| Typical Documents | Wills, contracts, affidavits, educational documents. | Powers of attorney, certified IDs, academic certificates (for international use) |
| Jurisdiction | England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland | England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland – recognised by international authorities |
| Legal Advice | Full legal advice and representation | Primarily document authentication |
| Cost | Generally lower fees for basic certifications | Typically higher due to international standards and liability |
When would you need a notary public instead of a solicitor?
You would typically need a notary public instead of a solicitor when you require a document or signature to be formally authenticated or certified for use in a foreign country, ensuring it’s legally recognised abroad.
The authority receiving the document is the one that decides what is acceptable. In some countries, a solicitor-certified copy is fine. In others, a notary is preferred. Country rules for solicitor certification vary by destination and document type. Rule of thumb: Always check the requirements with the requesting party.
Examples of Documents & Who You Need
Documents Handled by Solicitors:
- UK tenancy agreements
- Wills and probate papers
- Divorce papers
- UK court submissions
- Basic certified copies for UK use (e.g. opening a UK bank account)
- Educational Documents
- Copy of Passports
Examples:
- If you need to certify a document for your UK mortgage provider, a solicitor near you will suffice.
- Portugal: solicitor certification or notary certification is accepted for many UK documents, followed by apostille.
- Spain: for educational documents, the key issue is degree authenticity verification with the UK university first. Where accepted by the receiving authority, we can arrange solicitor certification or notary certification.
Documents Handled by Notaries:
- Certified copy of passport for a visa application abroad
- Power of attorney for property transactions in Spain
- Notarised academic certificates for employment in the UAE
- Certification of company documents for international business
- Affidavits and declarations for foreign legal matters
Example: If you need to notarise your degree certificate to work overseas, most of the the countries will require a notary public certification.
Can a Solicitor Be a Notary?
Yes, but not all solicitors are notaries.
A notary must undergo specific additional qualifications, even if they are already a solicitor. So while some professionals hold both titles, you should always check their credentials before assuming they can perform notarial services.
How to Choose the Right Service for Your Needs
1. Identify the Document’s Purpose
Ask yourself: Is the document for use within the UK or abroad?
- UK use: Contact a solicitor near you.
- International use: You might need a notary public.
- Not sure? Contact WLS to receive special advice.
2. Check for Combined Services
For complex matters, you might need both legal advice and notarisation. In such cases, working with a firm that offers both solicitor and notary services is ideal.
3. Location & Accessibility
Searching for a “solicitor or notary public near me”? Westminster Legalisation Services Ltd is conveniently located in Central London, near Charing Cross, Covent Garden, and Leicester Square, making it easy for you to access both services quickly.
4. Cost Considerations
Sample Costs:
- Solicitor (certification only): £10–£50 per document (mainly UK use)
- Notary public: £80–£180+ per document, depending on complexity (international use)
While notary fees are typically higher, this reflects the additional risk, liability, and international legal requirements involved.
Why Choose Westminster Legalisation Services Ltd?
At Westminster Legalisation Services Ltd, we understand that clients need speed, affordability, and trustworthiness especially when legal paperwork is involved.
- Fast Service: We offer same-day appointments for both solicitor certification and notary public services.
- Affordable Fees: Our pricing is transparent and competitive. We don’t surprise you with hidden fees.
- Convenient Location: We are centrally located, with easy access from Charing Cross, Covent Garden, Leicester Square and Westminster.
- Comprehensive Support: Need more than just notarisation? We can assist with Next-Day Apostille and Embassy Legalisation too.
FAQs
[/fusion_text]The main difference is that solicitors provide domestic legal advice and representation, whereas notaries public specialise in certifying, authenticating and witnessing documents for use overseas.
- Solicitors advise on UK law, draft contracts, handle conveyancing, wills, litigation and client disputes.
- Notaries verify signatures, administer oaths and prepare notarial certificates to ensure foreign authorities accept your documents.
You need a notary public whenever a document must be formally authenticated for use abroad.
- Examples include powers of attorney for overseas transactions, affidavit or statutory declarations for foreign courts, and corporate documents for incorporation overseas.
- If you only require UK legal advice or court representation, a solicitor alone will usually suffice.
Documents requiring notarisation are those destined for foreign jurisdictions that insist on certified authenticity.
- Common examples: powers of attorney, affidavits, statutory declarations, certified translations, corporate certificates (e.g. board resolutions, articles of association).
- After notarisation you may also need an Apostille or legalisation stamp, depending on the destination country.
Solicitors handle any document or matter governed by UK law, including those not needing overseas certification.
- Typical work: property sale and purchase, drafting wills, divorce petitions, employment contracts and commercial agreements.
- They also represent clients in UK courts and tribunals.
Yes – many solicitors obtain additional qualifications to become notaries public.
- They must pass the Faculty Office’s examinations and meet character requirements.
- This dual qualification allows them to advise on UK law and notarise documents for international use.
Most standard documents can be notarised during a single appointment, often within 15–30 minutes once you attend.
- If you require an Apostille or embassy legalisation, allow an extra 2–5 working days for processing.
- Complex corporate documents may need advance preparation or appointment slots.
Yes – notaries work by appointment only to ensure they verify identity, certify originals and witness signatures properly.
Contact your chosen notary’s office to arrange a convenient slot and to confirm which documents and ID you must bring.
Notarial acts are recognised in most jurisdictions, but acceptance depends on additional formalities.
Many countries demand an Apostille (under the 1961 Hague Convention) or embassy/legalisation stamp.
Always check the specific requirements of the foreign authority before you proceed.
Check the legalisation guidelines per country.
Standard notarial fees typically range from £80 to £150 plus VAT per document, but can vary by complexity and location.
Additional costs: travel, document preparation, Apostille (£60–£80) or embassy/legalisation fees.
Always ask for a full fee estimate before booking.
Solicitor fees vary widely: for document certification, the rate starts at £50 + VAT. Hourly rates usually start around £150 + VAT, rising to £300 + VAT for specialist work.
Many firms offer fixed fees for conveyancing, wills and straightforward matters.
Always obtain a clear costs estimate and enquire about disbursements (Apostille, searches, counsel, notarisation, international legalisation, etc.).
Absolutely – if a solicitor is also qualified as a notary you can have a document drafted, certified and witnessed all in one place.
This simplifies the process and ensures consistency between the legal advice and the notarial act.
Yes – both professions carry compulsory professional indemnity cover to protect clients against negligence.
Notaries hold separate insurance to cover their distinct notarial practice.
Notary services typically cost more because they involve international legalisation and carry additional responsibilities – Notary costs can vary around £80-£150.
Need Help Deciding? Contact Us Today
Still unsure whether you need a solicitor or notary public?
Contact Westminster Legalisation Services Ltd for expert advice and fast service. We’ll guide you through the process and ensure your documents are handled professionally and affordably.
About the Author: Emerson De Queiroz Barbosa
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