Notary Public

Notaries public play an important legal role in Scottish life where the legal validity of a document requires the swearing of an oath. Only solicitors/notaries in possession of a practising certificate can act as notaries in Scotland. The Law Society is responsible for the admission and registration of notaries.

Regulation type

Reserved activities

A link to information on activities reserved to Notaries in Scotland can be found under "More about regulated activities and titles" below

Protected titles

See Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 s31

Qualifications and experience

New professionals

Routes to qualification

Scottish Notaries Public are required to be Scottish Solicitors with a current practising certificate - Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007 Section 62. See Scottish Solicitor qualification for details.
Admission and registration of notaries under the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 and the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 requires a petition to the Court of Session

Professionals from other UK nations

Routes to recognition within the UK

Scottish Notaries Public are required to be Scottish Solicitors with a current practising certificate - Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007 Section 62. See Scottish Solicitor qualification for details.
Admission and registration of notaries under the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 and the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 requires a petition to the Court of Session

Professionals from outside the UK

Recognition for professionals outside the UK All - there are routes to recognition for professionals from all countries

Summary of routes

Scottish Notaries Public are required to be Scottish Solicitors with a current practising certificate - Legal Profession and Legal Aid (Scotland) Act 2007 Section 62. See Scottish Solicitor qualification for details.
Admission and registration of notaries under the Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980 and the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Scotland) Act 1990 requires a petition to the Court of Session

Registration

Registration requirements

You must hold a current Practising Certificate and declare your status and compliance with rules annually and pay fees to act as a Notary. See our website for current
Rules
https://www.lawscot.org.uk/members/rules-and-guidance/rules-and-guidance/

More about registration http://www.lawscot.org.uk/members/membership-and-fees/

Legislation

Title of relevant act or charter

Solicitors (Scotland) Act 1980

Website link to legislation https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1980/46/contents

Licence Finder

You may need licences and permits to carry out certain activities in the UK. These are called authorisations. Use the licence finder to find what you need.