What is an Apostille?

An apostille is an official certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) that confirms a UK document is genuine and can be recognised in another country.

It verifies:

  • the signature on the document,
  • the capacity in which the person signed it,
  • and, where applicable, the authenticity of the seal or stamp.

An apostille is commonly required when using UK documents abroad for:

  • marriage applications,
  • visa or immigration purposes,
  • overseas employment,
  • education,
  • company registration,
  • or legal matters.

The UK issues apostilles under the Hague Apostille Convention, allowing documents to be accepted in over 120 countries worldwide.

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Before you place an order

  • Check your documents can be legalised

    You can get documents legalised if they have been issued or signed by an authorised UK body or official.

    Documents can typically be legalised if they are issued by:

    • A court and sealed with a wet ink court seal
    • A public registry, such as a birth, marriage or death certificate, or a company certificate issued by Companies House
    • A government department and signed by an authorised official, such as a tax registration confirmation letter
    • A registered medical professional, such as a medical certificate signed by a doctor

    You can also legalise other documents, provided they have been certified by a UK ‘public official’, such as a solicitor or Notary Public.

    Examples include:

    • Legal documents such as powers of attorney, contracts or qualification certificates
    • Certified copies of documents such as passports or driving licences

    This is not a complete list. Many other documents may be eligible for apostille and legalisation depending on their format and certification.

  • Check document requirements before legalisation

    Before submitting your documents for apostille, you should confirm the exact requirements with the person or authority requesting them.

    Check whether your documents must be:

    • Original documents or certified copies
    • Signed or certified by a specific professional, such as a UK solicitor or Notary Public

    Requirements can vary depending on the country and the organisation requesting the documents.

    If certification is required, your documents must be signed by a qualified UK solicitor or notary. It is important that the certifying professional meets FCDO apostille UK requirements to avoid delays.

    If you are unsure, our team can review your documents and advise on the correct certification and legalisation process to ensure full compliance.

    If you need a UK notary or solicitor to sign your documents, find one using these official lists:

  • Check apostille requirements

    There are two types of apostille available, depending on your document and the requirements of the receiving authority.

    Apostilles can be:

    • Paper-based apostille – you will need to send your original documents by post or deliver them in person (for registered users)
    • Electronic apostille (e-Apostille) – you will need to upload your documents as PDF files that have been electronically signed by a UK solicitor or Notary Public

    Both types of apostille can be requested through an online application.

    You can choose the type of apostille you require; however, a paper-based apostille may be necessary if:

    • The receiving authority specifically requests a paper apostille
    • The document is not eligible for an e-Apostille

    Requirements vary depending on the document type and the country where it will be used.

  • Documents not eligible for e-Apostille

    Certain UK documents cannot be issued with an electronic apostille (e-Apostille) and must be processed using a paper-based apostille instead.

    You cannot obtain an e-Apostille for:

    • Birth, death, marriage, civil partnership and adoption certificates, or any documents issued by the General Register Office
    • ACRO police certificates (England and Wales)
    • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificates (England and Wales)
    • Disclosure certificates issued in Scotland and Northern Ireland
    • Fingerprint certificates
    • ACCA membership certificates

  • Confirm apostille requirements

    Before proceeding, contact the person or authority requesting your documents to confirm their specific requirements.

    Check whether they require:

    • A paper-based apostille or if an e-Apostille is acceptable (where available)
    • A single apostille covering multiple documents, or separate apostilles for each document

    Confirming these details in advance helps avoid delays and ensures your documents are accepted without issues.

  • Apostille processing times

    Processing times vary depending on the type of apostille service selected:

    • Premium 1-day service (paper-based): Next working day
    • e-Apostille: Up to 2 working days
    • Restricted urgent service (paper-based): Same day (subject to FCDO pre-approval)

    Please note that processing times may be extended if additional checks are required, such as signature verification. We will notify you if this applies.

Check if documents can be legalised

You can get a UK document with the signature, stamp or seal of a UK public official legalised. You may need to send your document in a particular format, for example an original not a photocopy.Use this tool to check if your document can be legalised.

If your document does not meet FCDO requirements and cannot be legalised, you will not be refunded.

Check your documents

Our apostile services

  • Premium 1-day Apostille Service

    Our premium apostille service is ideal for urgent requirements, offering fast-track processing through the FCDO apostille UK service. Documents are prioritised to ensure you receive your apostille as quickly as the next working day, depending on document type and eligibility.

  • Solicitor certification + Apostille

    We provide solicitor certification for documents that require it before apostille, ensuring they meet all FCDO apostille UK standards. Once certified, your documents are submitted for fast apostille processing, helping to avoid delays and ensuring full international compliance.

  • e-Apostille + e-Certification

    We provide fast digital apostille and electronic certification services for eligible documents, helping you complete the process without sending paper originals. This service is ideal for documents that can be issued, signed, or certified electronically, offering a quicker and more convenient route to FCDO apostille UK processing.

  • Sets of documents

    We offer combined apostille and legalisation services for multiple documents, allowing you to process document sets efficiently. This approach saves time, ensures consistency across all paperwork and helps streamline FCDO apostille UK processing.

After you placing an order

  • If you applied for a paper-based apostille

    You will be provided with instructions on how to send your documents once your order is complete.

    If you send your documents by post, your legalised documents will be returned to the address you provided using courier or postal delivery.

    Once your documents have been legalised, you can share them with the recipient by post, courier or in person, depending on their requirements.

  • If you applied for an e-Apostille

    You will be notified by email as soon as your legalised documents are ready.

    We will send your e-apostilled documents by email, allowing you to share them digitally, including by email, on a memory stick or in person by displaying them on your device.

  • Help your recipient check an apostille is valid

    If your recipient wants to check an apostille was issued by the Legalisation Office, they can verify an apostille.
Woman sitting at a desk in an office setting with a laptop.

Need help with apostille or document certification?

If you need fast apostille, FCDO apostille UK, certification or legalisation services, our expert team is here to help.

Contact us today to discuss your requirements or submit your enquiry online for prompt assistance.

Trust us to handle your documents with accuracy, discretion and a fast, reliable service.

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