Notary Services in Scotland — Fast, Local, Professional

Certain documents need to be formally witnessed or certified by a Notary Public before they can be used in Scotland, the rest of the UK, or overseas. If you need a document notarised, Hastings Legal can help — quickly, professionally, and close to home.

What is a Notary Public?

A Notary Public in Scotland is a qualified solicitor with additional authorisation from the Law Society of Scotland to formally authenticate documents. This process, known as “notarising” or “notarisation”, confirms that a signature, document, or copy is genuine.

When You Might Need a Notary

You may require a Notary Public for:

  • Certifying copies of passports, driving licences, or academic qualifications.
  • Witnessing signatures on powers of attorney, affidavits, or statutory declarations.
  • Authenticating documents for use overseas — for example, property transactions, immigration, or visas.
  • Swearing oaths or affidavits.
  • Certifying translations or company documents.

If you are unsure whether your document needs notarisation, we can advise you.

Why Choose Hastings Legal?
  • Seven convenient offices across the Scottish Borders — no need to travel far.
  • Flexible appointments to suit your schedule.
  • Professional service from qualified solicitors experienced in notarial work.
  • Clear, upfront pricing so you know the cost before you come in.

We are happy to notarise documents for both existing and new clients. Simply contact your nearest Hastings Legal office to arrange an appointment.

How to Book

Notary services are available by appointment in our offices in Kelso, Duns, Selkirk, Eyemouth, Hawick, Jedburgh, and Coldstream.

If you would like a cost quote before your appointment, please let us know how many documents you need notarised and the number of pages in each.

Call us on 01573 226999 or email legal@hastingslegal.co.uk to arrange a time.

Some popular FAQ's for Notary Services in Scotland — Fast, Local, Professional

Do I need a Notary Public or a solicitor?
In Scotland, a Notary Public is a solicitor with additional authorisation to carry out notarial acts. If your document needs to be notarised or sworn, you need a Notary Public.
What documents can you notarise or certify?
Typical items include passports and qualifications (certified copies), affidavits or statutory declarations, powers of attorney, company documents, and paperwork for use overseas (e.g. property, visas, marriage).
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring the document(s) to be notarised, valid photo ID (passport or driving licence) and proof of address. For certified copies, bring the original document so we can verify it.
Can an English solicitor do it for me?
Not usually for Scottish legal matters. A Notary Public in Scotland must be a solicitor with a Scottish practising certificate and notarial authorisation from the Law Society of Scotland. For documents intended for Scotland or prepared under Scots law, you should use a Scottish Notary Public.
Do I need an apostille/legalisation as well?
Some countries require UK documents to be legalised by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) after notarisation (an “apostille”). We’ll let you know if that applies and how to arrange it.

Call Hastings Legal on 01573 226999 to discuss Notary Services in Scotland — Fast, Local, Professional in more detail, or use the contact form below to arrange a no obligation conversation with one of our team.

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