How notarial fees are calculated
Notarial fees depend on:
- the type of transaction;
- the complexity of the documents;
- the number of people appearing before the notary;
- whether the appointment is required at short notice;
- the time taken to prepare and complete the notarial act, including binding and sealing; and
- other relevant factors, such as whether a foreign-language document needs to be checked.
An estimate can often be given by telephone if you describe the transaction in detail. Sometimes the notary will need to see the documents before an accurate estimate can be offered. Please send us the documents in advance wherever possible.
Charges are not calculated solely by reference to the time taken, but where there is a time element it is based on the rates chargeable by a senior commercial lawyer. The work of a notary involves a high level of verification and authentication, for which a long period of specialist training is required. It is not a simple attestation of a signature and bears no similarity to the administration of oaths and declarations, which any solicitor may carry out for a nominal fee.
Legalisation costs
Where a document must be legalised for use abroad, the fees charged by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Legalisation Office for an apostille, by the relevant consulate or embassy, and by any courier or agent are payable in addition to the notarial fee. We tell you these costs in advance.
VAT and payment
VAT at 20% is chargeable on our notarial fees. We accept payment by bank transfer and by debit or credit card.
Our notaries
Jason Winton (Notary Public since 2009) and Stephen Thirsk (Notary Public since 1992) are both solicitors and notaries public, regulated by the Faculty Office of the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Related information
Last reviewed 23 September 2026. Every matter is different: the figures on this page are a guide to typical costs, and we will always confirm a written estimate before work begins.