British consulates in Canada witness signatures only in exceptional cases. Before you book a notary instead, check whether you need one at all: for many UK property documents, a witness is enough.
Start with a question your UK solicitor can answer: does this document need a notary and an apostille, or just a witness?
Check whether you need a notary at all. For property in England and Wales, HM Land Registry requires your signature on a deed, such as a TR1 transfer, to be made in the presence of a witness who attests it: an adult who is not a party to the deed. Your solicitor will tell you whether they need anything more.
Source: HM Land Registry, Practice Guide 8 · checked September 28, 2026
The documents people bring us most often for property abroad:
You provide the final draft, usually from the lawyer or notary in the other country. We do not draft documents or advise on foreign law.
What published sources say. The recipient's own requirements always come first, so confirm them before you sign.
HM Land Registry requires each individual to sign a deed “in the presence of a witness who attests the signature”. The witness must actually be there and must not be a party to the deed, and HM Land Registry advises an adult who is not your spouse or partner. English law governs the form of a deed even when it is signed outside England and Wales.
Source: HM Land Registry, Practice Guide 8 · checked September 28, 2026
Without a UK conveyancer, you verify your identity to HM Land Registry on form ID1, completed by a lawyer or notary public qualified in your country of residence. The form cannot be signed electronically, has to be lodged within three months of signing, and needs two recent colour passport photos.
Source: HM Land Registry, Practice Guide 67, HM Land Registry, form ID1 · checked September 28, 2026
HM Land Registry accepts a power of attorney made under another country's law, but asks for a certified copy, translated if needed, and an opinion from a lawyer qualified in that country.
Source: HM Land Registry, Practice Guide 9 · checked September 28, 2026
All of the above is HM Land Registry's, which registers land in England and Wales. Property in Scotland or Northern Ireland is registered under different rules: ask the solicitor handling it.
Source: HM Land Registry, Practice Guide 8 · checked September 28, 2026
Three speeds, in Canadian dollars. The apostille prices include the notarization.
| First document | $700 |
|---|---|
| Each additional | $150 |
| Shipping | Carrier rate |
| First document | $350 |
|---|---|
| Each additional | $150 |
| Shipping | Carrier rate |
| First document | $170 |
|---|---|
| Each additional | $120 |
| Shipping | Carrier rate |
Prices are quoted in Canadian dollars. We believe our prices are highly competitive with any service provider in B.C. — we will price-match any quote, and may adjust or even waive our fee in humanitarian or compassionate circumstances.
Pay by Visa or Mastercard (in U.S. dollars) or Interac e-Transfer (in Canadian dollars). Same-day and next-day service is paid in advance; standard service can be paid after the meeting.
Confirm with your solicitor, or with HM Land Registry, that they accept the document in this form. We witness and notarize; we do not give legal advice on UK law.
Not for HM Land Registry in England and Wales: a deed has to be signed in front of a witness who attests your signature. Your solicitor, your lender or the buyer's side can still ask for more, so check with them before you book a notary.
Only in exceptional circumstances, according to GOV.UK; its example is someone in prison whose lawyer cannot do it. In Commonwealth countries, Canada included, British consulates cannot administer oaths or affidavits or certify copies.
HM Land Registry's guidance says a lawyer or notary public qualified to practise in your country of residence. In B.C., every lawyer is also a notary public.
Only if whoever receives the document asks for one. The UK has been a party to the Apostille Convention since 1965, so when an apostille is required, one from B.C. and one from Washington State both work.
I am not an attorney licensed to practice law in this state. I am not allowed to draft legal records, give advice on legal matters, including immigration, or charge a fee for those activities.
We will confirm a meeting time, and tell you honestly if another route would serve you better. Most emails are answered within a few hours during business hours.