Apostille UK: how to legalise your documents with the FCDO

An apostille is a stamped official certificate that the FCDO Legalisation Office attaches to a UK public document so that the document can be used overseas. Before attaching it, the Legalisation Office checks that the signature or seal on the document matches their own records. If it does, they attach the apostille.

Why does a UK document need one? The apostille exists so that a UK public document can be used overseas: it is attached only after the FCDO Legalisation Office has checked the signature or seal against their own records. An authority abroad therefore receives the document together with an official certificate confirming that check; without it, the document may not be accepted for use abroad.

This page explains how the process works, what the apostille costs, how long each service takes, and which documents cannot have an e-Apostille. For background on the office that issues the certificate, see FCDO Legalisation Office: Apostille of UK Documents.

What counts as a public document

A document is legalised when it is issued by a UK public official, or when it has been certified by one — such as a UK notary or solicitor. Examples include a power of attorney, a contract, and a copy of a qualification certificate certified by a solicitor.

Documents that are not issued by a public official must be certified by one before they can be legalised. Certify the document first, then get the apostille. The Legalisation Office checks that the signature or seal on the document matches their own records; if it does, they attach the apostille.

The process, step by step

1. Confirm the certification. Check how the document is covered by the rule above: it must be issued by a UK public official or certified by one, such as a UK notary or solicitor. A power of attorney, a contract, or a copy of a qualification certificate is certified by a UK notary or solicitor. Certify the document first, then apply for the apostille.

2. Choose the type of apostille. There are two types, and both are applied for online. A paper-based apostille is the stamped certificate attached to the physical document. An e-Apostille is an electronic apostille for a PDF file that has been electronically signed by a UK notary or solicitor. Before you choose, check the requirements of the receiving authority: some ask for paper even when an e-Apostille exists.

3. Apply online. The application for both types is made online, and the fee is charged per document. The fees and processing times are set out below.

4. Send or upload the document. For a paper-based apostille, you send the documents by post, or hand them in if you are a registered business. If you plan to hand them in, the address and contact details are on FCDO Legalisation Office Milton Keynes: Address, Contact and Fees — Apostilla UK. For an e-Apostille, the document is a PDF file that has been electronically signed by a UK notary or solicitor.

5. Receive the apostille. The FCDO Legalisation Office checks the signature or seal against their records; if it matches, they attach the apostille to the document. An apostille can also be checked after you receive it — see Verify Apostille Service GOV UK: Check a UK Apostille.

Fees

The fee depends on the type of apostille and the service. Fees are per document:

Standard paper-based: £45, plus courier or postage costs.
e-Apostille: £35.
Restricted Urgent paper-based: £100, for registered businesses only.

Courier costs apply to paper-based apostilles. You will not be refunded if the document cannot be legalised. FCDO fees and service charges in detail: Apostille UK Price: FCDO Fees, Service Charges and Total Cost in — Apostilla UK.

Processing times

Standard paper-based: usually up to 25 working days, plus courier or postage time. The current time frame is shown when you apply.
e-Apostille: up to 2 working days.

Services, fees and times in more detail: FCDO Legalisation Office: Apostille Services, Fees and Times.

Documents you cannot get as an e-Apostille

You cannot get an e-Apostille for:

birth, death, marriage, civil partnership and adoption certificates, or any other document from the General Register Office;
ACRO police certificates for England and Wales;
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificates for England and Wales;
disclosure certificates for Scotland and Northern Ireland;
fingerprint certificates.

If you need an apostille for one of these documents, you will need a paper-based apostille. Eligible documents and how it works: e-Apostille UK: how to get one and eligible documents.

The apostille described on this page is for UK public documents. If the document you are dealing with is not a UK document — a Ukrainian police certificate, for example — see Apostille vs consular legalisation for a Ukrainian police certificate — Apostilla UK.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to certify my document before I apply? A document is legalised when it was issued by a UK public official or when it has been certified by one, such as a UK notary or solicitor. If the document is not issued by a public official, it has to be certified by one first — a copy of a qualification certificate certified by a solicitor is a typical example. Certify the document first, then get the apostille.

How long does a Standard paper-based apostille take? Usually up to 25 working days, plus courier or postage time. The current time frame is shown when you apply.

Which documents can only be legalised on paper? An e-Apostille is not available for birth, death, marriage, civil partnership and adoption certificates or any other document from the General Register Office, nor for ACRO police certificates (England and Wales), DBS certificates (England and Wales), disclosure certificates (Scotland and Northern Ireland) or fingerprint certificates. These need a paper-based apostille.

Do I get a refund if my document cannot be legalised? No. You will not be refunded if the document cannot be legalised.

Apostille UK: how to get your documents legalised

Useful guides

Apostille for a Consent Letter: FCDO Legalisation Guide — Apostilla UK

Apostille for a UK Court Order: FCDO Legalisation Guide — Apostilla UK

Apostille for a Power of Attorney: FCDO Legalisation Guide — Apostilla UK