In today’s digital-first environment, more services are transitioning to online platforms, including notarial services. But the critical question remains — is online notarisation accepted in the UK? The answer is not as straightforward as one might hope. In this detailed guide, we’ll explain the legal status of online notarisation in the UK, its limitations, what’s changing, and what you should consider before choosing a digital notary service.
Understanding Notarisation in the UK Legal Framework
Notarisation in the UK is governed by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury, which regulates notaries and ensures the authenticity of legal documents for both domestic and international use. A UK notary public acts as a public officer, verifying signatures, identities, and documents. Their role is crucial in international transactions, especially for legalisation and apostille purposes.
However, unlike other countries such as the United States, where online notarisation is widely accepted in many states, the UK adopts a more conservative and traditionally in-person approach to notarisation.
Is Online Notarisation Legally Recognised in the UK?
As of 2025, online notarisation is not fully accepted or legally recognised across all document types in the UK. The UK legal system still requires physical presence before a notary for most notarised documents, particularly those with international implications. This is due to several core concerns:
- Verification of identity is traditionally carried out in person to mitigate fraud.
- Witnessing signatures and ensuring the individual understands the document often requires face-to-face interaction.
- Document authenticity and integrity can be compromised in purely digital environments.
However, there are a few limited exceptions where electronic notarisation might be accepted for UK-internal use cases, especially in corporate or administrative filings where the receiving body accepts digital formats.
The Role of the Electronic Communications Act 2000
The Electronic Communications Act 2000 laid the groundwork for recognising electronic signatures in the UK. This Act allows digital signatures to have the same legal standing as handwritten ones — but this does not extend to notarisation.
A key distinction must be made between electronic signature and electronic notarisation. While many organisations now accept e-signed documents, notarisation still hinges on physical validation by a certified notary public.
The Influence of Remote Working and the COVID-19 Pandemic
The global pandemic accelerated digital adoption in nearly every industry. Remote notarisation became a necessity rather than a convenience. In countries like the US and Canada, this led to legislative reforms permitting online notarisation through video conferencing and secure ID verification tools.
In the UK, some notaries began offering remote consultations, but the notarisation process itself remained largely anchored in traditional physical presence requirements. The Faculty Office issued limited guidance on virtual interactions, stating that remote procedures must only be used if the receiving jurisdiction allows such documentation.
Hence, even if a UK notary uses video conferencing to observe a signature, the document may still not be valid internationally without proper legalisation.
International Document Use and the Hague Apostille Convention
Many UK notarised documents are destined for overseas jurisdictions. To be valid abroad, these documents often require apostille certification under the Hague Apostille Convention. However, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) usually requires the notarisation to have been conducted in person for apostille services to be processed.
This limits the functionality of online notarisation services for any document that needs to be:
- Used abroad
- Presented to foreign courts
- Filed in international business transactions
- Used for immigration, visa, or academic purposes
Can You Use Online Notaries in the UK at All?
While full online notarisation is not widely accepted, there are some UK-based services offering hybrid solutions, including:
- Remote consultations and ID verification
- Pre-filling documentation and preparing for in-person signature
- Delivery of notarised documents via secure digital platforms post-appointment
Some notaries may agree to observe signing remotely under strict conditions, particularly if the receiving country explicitly allows it. However, this is rare, and you must always check with the receiving body whether a digitally notarised document will be accepted.
What About eNotaries in the UK?
The concept of “eNotaries” is emerging slowly. Some regulatory bodies and law commissions are exploring frameworks to allow digital notarisation, particularly for UK-based commercial transactions. However, no broad legal framework has been passed to fully authorise qualified electronic notarisation across the UK.
The Law Commission’s consultation on electronic execution of documents is a step forward, suggesting the possibility of change. But until new legislation is enacted, the status quo of in-person notarisation remains the default.
Risks of Using Online Notarisation Services Illegitimately
Engaging with unofficial or unregulated online notary services can result in:
- Invalid or rejected documents
- Legal liability
- Breach of confidentiality
- Financial loss and reputational damage
Only use UK-registered notaries public and verify whether they are listed with the Faculty Office. Ensure any online service you consider is transparent about the limitations of online notarisation in the UK.
When Might Digital Notarisation Become a Norm in the UK?
Change is possible, and industry bodies are actively exploring secure, GDPR-compliant platforms that may allow for remote notarisation in the future. These could include:
- Blockchain-secured digital documents
- AI-powered ID verification
- Video recordings of signature processes
Until these innovations are legally backed by statutory changes, however, the physical presence model remains the gold standard.
Key Takeaways
- Online notarisation is not currently accepted for most UK legal documents.
- Physical presence before a UK notary remains a legal requirement.
- Remote notarisation may be considered in extremely limited, case-specific scenarios.
- Check with the receiving authority before attempting any digital notarisation.
- Use only regulated notaries registered with the Faculty Office.