Doctor’s Letter
Notarisation Service For Doctor’s Letter
Welcome to Wharf Notaries, a trusted notarial service provider in the UK. Our team of experienced notaries is dedicated to notarising and legalising Doctor’s Letter.
Below, you’ll find essential information about Doctor’s Letter and our efficient process for their notarisation.
There are various types of doctor’s letters in the UK and around the globe. Documents issued by medical professionals can play a crucial role in employment, visa applications, and legal matters.
A doctor’s letter often requires an additional layer of authentication, especially when intended for use in a foreign country.
Services like notarisation and apostille confirm the document’s validity. With this certification, jurisdictions outside the one in which it was issued will recognise and accept the doctor’s letter.
What is a Doctor’s Letter?
A doctor’s letter is a document signed by a licensed medical professional, typically issued to patients when they fall ill. It serves as evidence that they are unfit to work, travel, or engage in specific activities.
The letter includes details such as the patient’s name, age, contact information, medical condition, relevant test results, treatment plan, and recommendations for further care. It also contains the doctor’s name, credentials (including GMC number), and practice information.
Considered a confidential medical record, a doctor’s letter should only be shared with authorized individuals. In some cases, notarisation may be required to verify its authenticity.
How Was the Doctor’s Letter Issued?
A doctor’s letter should only be issued by a licensed medical professional after examining the patient. The process for obtaining a doctor’s letter can vary slightly depending on its purpose and the policies of the doctor or medical facility.
For example, the letter could simply confirm the patient is ill and requires a few days off work to recover, or it may involve a full medical screening to verify physical fitness for specific employment.
When a Doctor’s Letter Should be Notarised
Several situations necessitate a notarised doctor’s letter, including:
Notarised Doctor’s Letter for Employment
Employers may require a notarised doctor’s letter to verify a person’s medical fitness for a job, particularly if it involves working with vulnerable populations or in hazardous environments. This medical exam may need to be repeated periodically. A notarised doctor’s letter helps ensure employees are medically fit for their duties, promoting workplace safety.
Notarised Doctor’s Letter for Travel and Immigration
A notarised doctor’s letter may be necessary for immigration purposes to provide evidence of a person’s medical history and current health status. The Home Office in the UK may require a medical examination as part of the immigration process, and a notarised doctor’s letter serves as proof of that examination.
Notarised Doctor’s Letter for Insurance Claims
Insurance providers often request a notarised doctor’s letter to verify that the medical treatment sought is necessary. This helps prevent fraudulent claims and ensures that the insurance company only pays for treatments that were actually received.
Notarised Doctor’s Letter for Legal Proceedings
Various legal proceedings may require one or multiple notarised doctor’s letters:
- Personal Injury Claims: To support and prove the extent of injuries.
- Medical Malpractice Claims: As evidence that the standard of care was not met.
- Workers’ Compensation Claims: To corroborate the extent of injuries or illness resulting from workplace incidents.
- Disability Claims: To verify the extent of a disability affecting a person’s ability to work.
Process to Notarise a Doctor’s Letter
To notarise your doctor’s letter, you will need to provide the original letter issued by your doctor, along with identification documents such as your passport and proof of address.
We will make a copy of the original doctor’s letter and notarise the copy. Alternatively, we can notarise the original document, which will involve contacting the doctor to confirm they issued it.
Depending on the country where you will use the doctor’s letter, you may need to have it apostilled by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Original doctor’s letters containing the doctor’s wet ink signature, name, practice, and GMC number can be apostilled directly without prior notarisation, provided the doctor has registered their signature with the FCDO’s Legalisation Office.
We offer same-day services for notarising documents for your convenience. Additionally, we can apostille your document via our Premium Service (same day/next day) or Standard Service (3-5 working days). For more information or if you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Doctor’s Letter
What is a Doctor’s Letter?
A doctor’s letter is a document written and signed by a licensed medical professional, providing evidence of a patient’s medical condition. These letters are commonly issued to patients when they fall ill and may be required for various purposes, including verifying fitness for work, travel, or other activities.
Why do I need to notarise a Doctor’s Letter?
Notarisation is important for doctor’s letters when they are required for legal, employment, or immigration purposes. This process ensures the authenticity of the letter, especially if it lacks an official signature or is in electronic format, before obtaining an apostille.
What is the process for notarising a Doctor’s Letter?
We verify the authenticity of the doctor’s letter and attach a notarial certificate to either the original or a printed version, depending on whether the document is physical or electronic. You will need to provide us with the original letter issued by your doctor and your identification documents.
When do I need an apostille for my Doctor’s Letter?
An apostille is necessary when submitting your doctor’s letter to countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, ensuring its legal recognition abroad.
Can you notarise an electronic Doctor’s Letter?
Yes, for electronic letters, you will need to provide the original email along with the PDF. We will verify its authenticity and attach a notarial certificate to the printed version.
What other services do you offer for Doctor’s Letters?
In addition to notarisation and apostille services, we can assist with consular legalisation and document translation if required.
How much does it cost to notarise and apostille a Doctor’s Letter?
Costs vary based on the specific services needed, such as notarisation, apostille, or legalisation. Please contact us for a detailed quote.