UK Notarial Practice Questions - UK Notarial Practice Course - Notarial Practice Exam

A public instrument is drafted by the notary, retained in protocol, and constitutes self-authenticating proof of its recitals in civil law jurisdictions, whereas a private instrument is prepared by the parties and the notary merely authenticates execution or signatures. A public instrument can only be executed by government officials, while a private instrument is used exclusively for commercial contracts. A private instrument has higher evidentiary value in foreign courts because it is signed by corporate directors rather than a notary public. A public instrument does not require a notarial seal or registration, whereas a private instrument requires mandatory recording with Companies House.