The Consular Section cannot perform notarial acts in Commonwealth countries such as Jamaica, which require powers under the Commissioners for Oaths 1889. This includes certifying documents as true copies of originals, administering oaths or taking affidavits. All requests should be made to a local Notary Public.

Witnessing signatures

Senior Consular staff can witness signatures as responsible persons only. This means that if other people can do it (eg justices of the peace, police officers and doctors) then the Consular section can do it. If they can’t do it then it usually means that someone with notarial powers must do it and they should be referred to a notary public. There is a fee for witnessing a signature (Fee 3.1 currently £27, payable in J$) except where it is in connection with an UK or Commonwealth pension matter where no fee is charged.

Legalisation services

Foreign authorities sometimes need official confirmation that a British document, such as a birth or marriage certificate, is genuine. The Legalisation Office at the Foreign Office in London by means of attaching an Apostille (marginal note) or a legalisation certificate does this. Please note that this service incurs a fee. For further information please visit the website