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Wills & Documents · Attestation & Certification

Attestation of Signature

Attestation is where a solicitor watches you sign a document and confirms, in writing, that the signature is genuinely yours and was made in their presence. Many deeds, forms and documents for use abroad have to be signed in front of an independent witness. We attest your signature quickly and correctly, so your document is accepted without question.

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What is attestation of a signature?

Attestation is the formal witnessing of a signature. A solicitor confirms your identity, watches you sign the document, and then signs it themselves to attest that the signature is genuinely yours and was made in their presence. The solicitor is acting as an independent witness that you, and no one else, signed the document, and that you did so freely.

This is different from certification, which confirms that a copy is a true copy of an original. Attestation is about the act of signing. Because it must be witnessed as it happens, you should bring the document to us unsigned, and sign it in front of the solicitor.

When you need a signature attested

Many documents require a signature to be witnessed by an independent professional before they are valid or accepted. Common examples include:

  • Deeds, which by law must be signed in the presence of a witness who attests the signature.
  • Documents and forms for use abroad, where the receiving authority asks for a witnessed signature.
  • Sponsorship, consent and declaration forms that require an independent witness.
  • Life or proof of life certificates, often needed for overseas pensions.
  • Other legal or official documents where a solicitor's witness is specified.

We also administer statutory declarations and can advise where a document needs to be sworn rather than simply witnessed. If you are not sure what your document requires, we are happy to check for you before your appointment.

Attestation and certification: the difference

These terms are easy to mix up, and asking for the wrong one causes delay. In short:

  • Attestation is the witnessing of a signature. That is the service on this page.
  • Certification confirms that a copy is a true copy of the original.

There is also notarisation, carried out by a notary public, which some foreign authorities specifically require. As solicitors we provide attestation and certification, and where a matter genuinely needs a notary we will tell you honestly and point you in the right direction.

Attested documents for use abroad

If your document is going overseas, a witnessed signature is often only the first step. Some countries require further steps, such as notarisation, before they will accept the document. Because the receiving organisation abroad sets its own rules, we advise you on the correct route first, so your documents are not rejected.

Please note: our attestation service is available from our South Wimbledon office at 191 Merton Road, London SW19 1EE. You are welcome to call us on 020 8543 3302 to arrange an appointment. The points on this page are correct as at June 2026 and are a general guide, not legal advice on your situation.

How it works, step by step

Having your signature attested with us is quick and simple. These are the main stages.

1. You bring the unsigned document and your ID

Bring the document you need to sign, without signing it first, along with your identification. If you are not sure what you need, call us and we will tell you.

2. We confirm your identity

The solicitor checks your identification and makes sure you understand the document you are about to sign.

3. You sign in front of the solicitor

You sign the document while the solicitor watches, so they can properly witness that the signature is yours.

4. We attest and advise on next steps

The solicitor signs to attest your signature, adds the required details, and, where your document is for use abroad, advises on the next steps.

How we help

Our solicitors make attestation straightforward and reliable, so your signed documents are accepted wherever they need to go.

  1. 1

    A proper, independent witness

    You sign in front of a real solicitor who witnesses it correctly, so there is no doubt about the validity of your document.

  2. 2

    Honest advice on what you need

    We tell you whether a witnessed signature is enough, or whether you also need a notary, before you spend money.

  3. 3

    Statutory declarations too

    Where a document must be sworn or declared rather than simply witnessed, we can administer that for you as well.

  4. 4

    A quick, personal service

    You deal with a solicitor in person, get it done in one short appointment, and leave with what you need.

What is included in our service

  • Confirming your identity before you sign
  • Witnessing your signature as you make it
  • Attesting the signature with the correct wording and details
  • Administering statutory declarations where your document needs one
  • Honest advice on whether you also need a notary
  • Documents ready for use in the United Kingdom or abroad

We offer attestation for a clear fixed fee per document, which we tell you before we start, so there are no surprises. If your document also needs notarisation, we will set out those separate costs in advance. This is a private service and is not covered by legal aid. There is no charge for an initial phone conversation to talk through what you need, and this service is available from our South Wimbledon office.

Common questions

Attestation is the formal witnessing of a signature. A solicitor confirms your identity, watches you sign, and then signs to attest that the signature is genuinely yours and was made in their presence. It gives the document an independent, professional witness that the receiving organisation can rely on.

Attestation is about witnessing a signature as it is made. Certification is about confirming that a copy is a true copy of an original. For attestation you bring the document unsigned and sign it in front of the solicitor. For certification you bring the original and a copy to be checked against it.

Yes. The whole point of attestation is that the solicitor witnesses the act of signing, so you must sign the document in their presence. Please bring the document unsigned. If it has already been signed, the solicitor cannot properly attest it and you may need to sign a fresh copy.

Yes, though a witnessed signature is often only the first step for overseas use. Some countries require further steps, such as notarisation by a notary public. Because the receiving authority sets its own rules, we advise you on the correct route first, so your document is not rejected.

Yes. Where your document needs to be sworn or solemnly declared rather than simply witnessed, we can administer the statutory declaration for you. Tell us what you have been asked to provide, and we will make sure the right formality is used.

Please bring the unsigned document and your own identification, such as a passport or driving licence. If you are unsure what the receiving organisation requires, call us first and we will tell you exactly what to bring, so your appointment is quick and nothing is missed.

We charge a clear fixed fee per document, which we tell you before we start. If your document also needs notarisation, we set out those separate costs in advance. There is no charge for an initial conversation to talk through what you need.

Last updated: June 2026.