Cost to notarize a signature

popty

Can anyone tell me how much it should cost to notarize a signature?
I have to sign a document in front of a Notary Public & whilst the cost is 'peanuts' in the US our attorney seems to think it will be expensive over here.
Thankyou

noh

Why not call one near you and ask for an estimate?

http://www.thenotariessociety.org.uk/find-a-notary

noh

One I have found that does mention costs on their website charges £295 per hour (£185 minimum fee)

popty

Thanks for the quick reply, I've tried that and have been quoted £95 plus vat. Apparently it's free in most US banks if you're a customer and about 10-15 dollars otherwise. Yet another example of 'rip-off Britain' I suppose.

noh

popty wrote: »

Thanks for the quick reply, I've tried that and have been quoted £95 plus vat. Apparently it's free in most US banks if you're a customer and about 10-15 dollars otherwise. Yet another example of 'rip-off Britain' I suppose.

Not really a rip off.
As far as I can see a Notary is a lot more than someone who witnesses signatures.
You are paying for their professional expertise.

http://www.thenotariessociety.org.uk/uploads/1280236302Notary+leaflet+English+02+10.pdf

"In order to qualify as a Notary one must have a
University degree and pass the Postgraduate Diploma in
Notarial Practice, Roman Law and International Private
Law provided by Cambridge University. Once the
potential Notary has passed this postgraduate diploma,
he or she may petition the Court of Faculties for a
“Faculty.”

A “Faculty” grants a Notary his/her authority to practice.
This is followed by two years supervision under an
experienced Notary and only when this is satisfactorily
completed is it possible to practice without supervision.
Notaries are required to have full professional indemnity
and fidelity insurance."

dzug1

Do you actually need it notarised?

If it's a US company asking then all they really want is it witnessed by a solicitor - a fiver or so. They don't need it notarised in UK speak - which is far more than just witnessing, but checking your ID, that the document is genuine, that you should be signing it, etc.

In the US a notary is a barely qualified legal clerk - here it's a specialised profession. They do different things

castle96

go to a County Cout. They will do it for nothing AFAIK (4-5 yrs ago it was free)