National Archives document apostille – UK legalisation service

Fast, secure apostille service for your National Archives document

We provide fast apostille and legalisation services for National Archives documents, including priority FCDO apostille UK processing and secure tracked delivery. This service is commonly required for overseas legal procedures, genealogy research and official historical record verification.

What is a National Archives document?

A National Archives document is an official historical or government record obtained from The National Archives in the United Kingdom. These documents may include military records, court records, government files, wills, census records and other archived official documents.

Why you may need an apostille

You may require an apostille for:

  • Citizenship or ancestry applications
  • Overseas legal proceedings
  • Genealogy and family history verification
  • Immigration procedures
  • Official recognition of historical UK documents abroad

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

Can I legalise a National Archives document?

Yes — UK National Archives documents can be legalised for international use, provided they meet the required format and certification standards.

Apostille requirements
  • Original or officially certified archive document required
  • Documents must be issued or certified by The National Archives or another authorised UK authority
  • Certain documents may require solicitor or notary certification before apostille
Acceptable formats for legalisation

✔ Official National Archives documents
✔ Certified archive copies issued by the relevant authority
✔ 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.