ACRO processing time and common delays: what to expect

What an apostille is

An apostille is an official certificate in stamped form, which the FCDO Legalisation Office affixes to UK public documents once the signature or seal has been checked against its records.

A document can be legalised when a UK public official issued it or when such an official — commonly a notary or solicitor — certified it. Examples are a contract, a power of attorney, or a qualification certificate copy.

Two types, one online application

• Paper-based: the document travels by post, or it is handed in person — an option open only to registered businesses.
• e-Apostille: a PDF that a notary or solicitor has signed electronically.

Certificates that cannot get an e-Apostille

No e-Apostille exists for:

• birth, death, marriage, adoption and civil partnership certificates, along with other General Register Office documents;
• ACRO police certificates (England and Wales);
• DBS certificates (England and Wales);
• disclosure certificates (Scotland and Northern Ireland);
• fingerprint certificates.

For these certificates, only a paper-based apostille is possible.

Fees

Per document:

Paper-based apostilles also involve courier charges. When a document cannot be legalised, there is no refund.

How long each service takes

Before you apply

Ask what the receiving authority expects: some want paper even where an e-Apostille is possible.