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Electronic Apostille

How to Apply for a UK Electronic Apostille (e-Apostille)

The United Kingdom now issues electronic Apostilles (e-Apostilles), allowing UK public documents to be legalised digitally for use overseas. This is part of the global modernisation of the Hague Apostille Convention, making document authentication faster, more secure, and easier to verify internationally.

This article explains what a UK e-Apostille is, which documents are eligible, and how to apply step by step.

1. What Is a UK Electronic Apostille?

A UK electronic Apostille is a digitally issued Apostille certificate that:

  • Authenticates the origin of a UK public document
  • Is issued in electronic form (rather than a paper certificate)
  • Can be verified online by foreign authorities

UK e-Apostilles are issued by the Legalisation Office, which operates under the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

The UK is a long-standing member of the Hague Apostille Convention, meaning UK Apostilles are recognised in over 120 countries.

2. Which UK Documents Can Be e-Apostilled?

Most UK documents that can be apostilled in paper form are also eligible for an e-Apostille, including:

Personal Documents

  • Birth, marriage, and death certificates
  • Certificate of no impediment
  • Police certificates (ACRO)

Educational Documents

  • Degree certificates
  • Academic transcripts
  • Professional qualifications

Legal & Commercial Documents

  • Powers of attorney
  • Statutory declarations
  • Affidavits
  • Company documents (Companies House extracts, resolutions)

Private documents must usually be signed by a UK solicitor or notary before they can be e-Apostilled.

3. How the UK e-Apostille Works

Instead of attaching a paper certificate, the Legalisation Office:

  • Creates a digital Apostille
  • Links it securely to the underlying document
  • Records it in an online Apostille register
  • Issues a verifiable electronic record

Foreign authorities can verify authenticity by checking the Apostille details online.

4. Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a UK e-Apostille

Step 1: Prepare the Document Correctly

Your document must be:

  • A UK-issued public document, or
  • A private document correctly notarised or solicitor-certified in the UK

Incorrect signatures or uncertified copies are the most common cause of rejection.

Step 2: Submit the Application Online

Applications are made online through the official UK government portal via GOV.UK.

You will:

  • Select electronic Apostille as the service type
  • Upload the required document(s)
  • Pay the Apostille fee

You can apply directly or through a professional service provider.

Step 3: Verification by the Legalisation Office

The Legalisation Office:

  • Verifies the signature, seal, or stamp
  • Confirms the issuing authority
  • Confirms the document meets Hague Convention requirements

If verification fails, the application will be rejected or delayed.

Step 4: Issuance of the e-Apostille

Once approved:

  • The electronic Apostille is issued
  • The document is entered into the UK’s online Apostille register
  • The e-Apostille can be verified internationally

Processing times are typically faster than traditional paper Apostilles.

5. How to Verify a UK e-Apostille

Receiving authorities can:

  • Access the UK Apostille verification system
  • Enter the Apostille reference details
  • Confirm the document’s authenticity digitally

This removes the need for physical inspection in many cases.

6. Countries That Accept UK e-Apostilles

UK e-Apostilles are valid in all Hague Apostille Convention countries, including:

  • United States
  • Australia
  • New Zealand
  • EU member states
  • Singapore
  • Japan

However, practical acceptance can vary. Some institutions still request:

  • A printed copy of the e-Apostille, or
  • A traditional paper Apostille

Always confirm destination-country requirements in advance.

7. When a UK e-Apostille Is Not Appropriate

You should not use an e-Apostille if:

  • The destination country is not a Hague Convention member
  • The receiving authority explicitly requires a paper Apostille
  • Embassy legalisation is required instead

Non-Hague countries still require FCDO legalisation plus embassy or consular attestation.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Uploading uncertified or incorrectly signed documents
  • Assuming all countries accept e-Apostilles without question
  • Confusing notarisation with Apostille
  • Using unofficial third-party websites
  • Apostilling documents for non-Hague countries