Apostille Services UK: Fast Legalisation of Your Documents

An apostille is a stamped official certificate that the Legalisation Office of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) attaches to a UK public document. This page sets out what that involves, what it costs and how long it takes.

What the Legalisation Office checks

Before attaching the apostille, the FCDO Legalisation Office checks the signature or seal on the document against its records.

A document can be legalised when it was issued by a UK public official or 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.

Two types, both applied for online

• Paper-based apostille — applied for online, with the document handled by post, or in person for registered businesses.
• e-Apostille — a PDF signed electronically by a UK notary or solicitor.

Documents that cannot get an e-Apostille

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

Prices per document

Courier costs apply to paper-based apostilles. There is no refund if a document cannot be legalised.

How long each service takes

Paper or electronic

Even when an e-Apostille exists, check whether the receiving authority wants paper: some want a paper-based apostille.

What needs separate confirmation

Anything beyond the points above — for example embassy attestation abroad, certified translation requirements, solicitor fees, terms for document sets, or any provider’s own services and prices — is not covered by the confirmed gov.uk information and should be checked before you rely on it.