ACRO standard vs premium service: fees and processing time compared

An apostille is an official certificate that the FCDO Legalisation Office stamps onto a UK public document. Before attaching it, the office compares the document’s signature or seal with the records it holds.

Which documents can be legalised

A document qualifies for legalisation when a UK public official issued it, or when such an official — for example a notary or solicitor — has certified it. Documents named as examples on gov.uk are a contract, a power of attorney and a qualification certificate that a solicitor has certified.

Two types, both requested online

The paper-based apostille covers physical documents: you apply online and post them, and registered businesses may also bring them in person. The e-Apostille is a PDF that a UK-based notary or solicitor signs electronically.

Documents that cannot get an e-Apostille

Some documents can only be legalised on paper. An e-Apostille is not available for certificates of birth, death, marriage, civil partnership or adoption, or for other records issued by the General Register Office. The same restriction covers ACRO police certificates from England and Wales, DBS certificates issued in England and Wales, disclosure certificates covering Scotland and Northern Ireland, and fingerprint certificates.

Fees per document

Courier or postage charges apply to every paper-based option, and no refund is given for a document that cannot be legalised.

How long each option takes

Check what the receiving authority accepts

Ask the authority that will receive the document before you apply: some of them want paper even if an e-Apostille is available.