Ask any group of people and it is likely that some of them won’t be able to tell you what the role of a notary public involves. Even people who have a basic understanding may be surprised to learn that the role of a notary is as varied as it is important.
The principal duty of a notary, also known as a notary public, is to certify and authenticate official copies of legal documents, often certifying translated copies for use in other countries. This may include documents such as immigration papers, business ownership documents, and powers of attorney. They can also administer oaths and affidavits.
Let’s take a look at some interesting and unusual facts about this lesser-known legal profession:
1. Ancient origins
The word ‘notary’ comes from the Latin ‘notae’, which was a shorthand system developed by the Romans. It was used to scribe the speeches of important orators. Heading even further back into the depths of history, there is evidence that the Ancient Egyptians used a type of notary system to scribe the details of official proclamations, personal letters, and even tax documents.
2. A rich history
The notary profession is one of the oldest in the UK, with notaries being appointed by the clergy in the 16th century. Today, many notaries practise as solicitors alongside their notarial duties. Getting into the notary profession is achieved by studying law rather than getting a nod from the Archbishop of Canterbury!
3. How many notaries are there in the UK?
Around 775 people are qualified notaries in the UK, with almost all of them registered with the Notaries Society. This means notaries are the smallest branch of the legal profession.
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A female-dominated profession
In the United States, women make up around two-thirds of all notaries. This is despite women not being allowed to practise as notaries until as recently as the early 1900s.
