Passport
Notarisation and Apostille of Passports and Passport Copies
Welcome to Wharf Notaries, a trusted notarial service provider in the UK. Our team of experienced notaries is here to assist with the notarisation, apostille, and legalisation of your passport copies. If you conduct business internationally, our notarised passport copies provide reliable identity verification, ensuring your transactions proceed smoothly and without delay.
What is a Passport?
A passport is an official document issued by your country of citizenship that verifies your identity and permits international travel. It serves both as a travel document and as proof of citizenship.
Standard information in passports includes:
- Full name
- Recent photograph
- Birthdate
- Gender
- Date of issue
- Passport number
- Expiry date
- Issuing authority
Types of Passports Issued in the UK
Due to the variety of British citizenship categories, different types of British passports are issued, such as:
- British Citizens
- British Overseas Territories Citizens (e.g., Gibraltar)
- British Overseas Citizens
- British Subjects with or without UK residence rights
- British Protected Persons
- British Nationals (Overseas)
Additionally, passports are categorised based on age, occupation, and individual circumstances, including:
- Standard Adult Passport
- Diplomatic Passport
- Official Passport
- Emergency Passport
- Child Passport
Foreign passports are issued by the respective countries’ government agencies.
Why You May Need a Notarised Passport Copy
A notarised passport copy is commonly used to confirm your identity for Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements. Given that it is a government-issued document containing essential personal information—such as your name, birthdate, photo, and signature—it is widely regarded as a secure form of identification.
You may need to submit a notarised passport copy independently or alongside other documents sent overseas, such as a power of attorney. Some countries may even request a notarised copy of every passport page.
Difference Between a Notarised and Apostilled Passport Copy
A notarised passport copy involves the notary public verifying the original passport, making a copy, and certifying that it accurately reflects the original document.
After notarisation, the copy can be submitted to the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) to obtain an apostille. An apostille is a stamp by the FCDO that authenticates the notary’s signature and seal, adding an extra level of validation to ensure acceptance by foreign authorities.
How a Passport is Issued
British passports are issued by His Majesty’s Passport Office (HMPO). Former issuers include the United Kingdom Passport Service (UKPS) and the Identity and Passport Service (IPS). The issuing authority for each passport can be found on the photo page.
Passports are only issued as physical documents and not in digital format.
Process to Notarise and Apostille a Passport Copy
To notarise a passport, you must present the original document to the notary, who will inspect it and make a colour photocopy. The notary will then issue a certification verifying the copy’s authenticity. If specific wording is required, provide it in advance for inclusion in the notarisation.
After notarisation, our legalisation team can submit your document to the FCDO for an apostille. We offer both same-day and standard 3-5 working day services.
Some countries may also require embassy legalisation of the notarised and apostilled document. Our team can assist with embassy legalisation across over 50 embassies in the UK.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Passport
Why would I need a notarised copy of my passport?
A notarised passport copy is often required to verify your identity for international transactions, such as financial or legal activities, or when submitting documentation abroad. It serves as a certified copy of your original passport, ensuring your identity is authenticated by an authorised notary.
What is the difference between a notarised copy and an apostille?
A notarised copy of your passport is a certified copy, verified by a notary to match the original. An apostille is an additional certification from the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) that verifies the notary’s signature, making it widely acceptable in countries that recognize the Hague Apostille Convention.
How do I get my passport notarised?
To notarise your passport, bring the original passport to our notary, who will inspect it, create a colour copy, and issue a certification verifying it as a true copy. If specific wording is required, please inform us so we can include it in the notarisation.
Can you apostille non-UK passports?
Yes, we can notarise both UK and non-UK passports. However, the apostille process for non-UK passports may vary based on the specific requirements of the destination country.
What types of UK passports can be notarised?
We can notarise all UK passport types, including Standard Adult Passports, Diplomatic Passports, Official Passports, Emergency Passports, and Child Passports, as well as various categories of British citizenship passports
How long does the notarisation and apostille process take?
We offer a same-day service for urgent cases, as well as a standard service that typically takes 3-5 working days. Please contact us to determine the best option based on your needs.
Do I need to apostille every page of my passport?
In some cases, specific countries or transactions may require an apostilled copy of every page in your passport. Our team can guide you on the requirements based on the country where you’ll be submitting your documents.
Can Wharf Notaries assist with embassy legalisation?
Yes, for certain countries, an embassy legalisation may be required after the apostille. We can assist with embassy legalisation across over 50 embassies within the UK, ensuring your documents meet all necessary requirements.