How to Obtain Apostille Services in the United Kingdom
If you need to use a UK-issued document overseas, you may be required to obtain an apostille. An apostille certifies the authenticity of a public document so it can be recognised in another country that is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention.
This guide explains what an apostille is, which documents qualify, and the step-by-step process for obtaining an apostille in the United Kingdom.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official certificate attached to (or associated with) a document to confirm:
- the authenticity of the signature,
- the capacity in which the person signed, and
- the seal or stamp on the document.
Once apostilled, the document can be used in over 120 countries without further legalisation.
Who Issues Apostilles in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, apostilles are issued exclusively by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) through its Legalisation Office.
Documents That Can Be Apostilled in the UK
Common Eligible Documents
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Academic documents (degrees, transcripts – usually notarised first)
- Court documents
- Company documents (Companies House extracts, certificates of incorporation)
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits and statutory declarations
- Notarised copies and certifications
Important Note
Some documents must be notarised or certified by a UK solicitor or notary public before they can be apostilled (for example, educational certificates or private agreements).
Step-by-Step: How to Get an Apostille in the UK
1. Check the Destination Country
Confirm that the receiving country is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention.
If it is not, your document may require full consular legalisation instead of an apostille.
2. Prepare the Document
Depending on the document type:
- Official UK public documents (e.g. GRO certificates) can usually be apostilled directly.
- Private documents must first be:
- notarised by a UK notary public, or
- certified by a UK solicitor.
3. Submit the Application to the FCDO
You can apply:
- By post (most common)
- Through an approved premium or courier service
Applications are submitted to the FCDO Legalisation Office in the UK.
4. Pay the Apostille Fee
The standard government fee is charged per document.
Additional costs apply for:
- express processing,
- return courier delivery,
- third-party handling services.
5. Processing Time
- Standard processing: typically several working days
- Priority services: faster turnaround via authorised agents
Once complete, the apostille is attached to the document or issued as a secure electronic certificate (where applicable).
Electronic Apostilles (e-Apostilles) in the UK
The UK supports electronic apostilles for certain documents. These:
- are digitally issued by the FCDO,
- include a secure verification code,
- are accepted by many (but not all) overseas authorities.
Always check whether the receiving country and institution accept e-apostilles before requesting one.
Using an Apostille Service Provider
Many individuals and businesses use professional apostille services to:
- avoid rejected applications,
- coordinate notarisation and apostille together,
- obtain faster turnaround times,
- manage overseas courier delivery.
This is especially useful for:
- overseas property transactions,
- immigration and visa matters,
- international company formation,
- cross-border litigation and inheritance matters.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting documents that haven’t been notarised when required
- Using laminated or altered certificates
- Assuming all countries accept e-apostilles
- Apostilling documents unnecessarily (some countries require only notarisation)
Summary
To obtain an apostille in the United Kingdom:
- Confirm the destination country requires an apostille
- Prepare and notarise the document if needed
- Apply through the FCDO Legalisation Office
- Pay the required fee
- Receive the apostilled document for international use
An apostille ensures your UK documents are legally recognised abroad—saving time, cost, and administrative complexity.