DBS document apostille – UK legalisation service

Fast, secure apostille service for your DBS document

We provide fast apostille and legalisation services for DBS documents, including priority FCDO apostille UK processing and secure tracked delivery. This service is commonly required for overseas employment, immigration applications and international background checks.

What is a DBS document?

A DBS document is an official criminal record check issued by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in the United Kingdom. It confirms whether an individual has any criminal convictions, cautions or relevant safeguarding information recorded in the UK.

Why you may need an apostille

You may require an apostille for:

  • Overseas employment applications
  • Visa and immigration applications
  • Residency or work permit applications
  • International background checks
  • Professional licensing abroad

An apostille ensures your DBS document is legally recognised in Hague Apostille Convention countries.

Can I legalise a DBS document?

Yes — DBS certificates and related DBS documents can be legalised for international use, provided they meet the required format and certification standards.

Apostille requirements
  • Original DBS document required
  • Certain DBS documents may require certification by a UK solicitor or Notary Public before apostille
  • Documents must meet current FCDO legalisation standards
Acceptable formats for legalisation

✔ Original DBS certificate
✔ Enhanced, standard or basic DBS checks where accepted
✔ Documents certified by a UK solicitor or Notary Public where required
❌ Uncertified photocopies, scans or unofficial printouts are not accepted

Embassy attestation (if required)

If your destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, additional embassy attestation may be required after the FCDO apostille UK process.

We can arrange:

  • Embassy attestation
  • Certified translations
  • PDF scanning
Our apostille service includes
  • Pre-submission document checks
  • Priority FCDO apostille UK submission
  • Secure tracked return delivery
  • Optional services: embassy attestation, translation and scanning
Processing time

Priority service:
Next working day submission to the FCDO if documents are received before 12:30 pm at our Milton Keynes office.

Most clients receive their apostilled documents within 1–2 working days after FCDO processing.