MVS online portal vs Diia: where to order a Ukrainian police certificate

An apostille is an official certificate, stamped and attached by the Legalisation Office of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to UK public documents. Before attaching it, the office checks the signature or seal against its own records.

Which documents can be legalised

A document can be legalised when a UK public official issued it, or when such an official — for example a notary or a solicitor — certified it. Examples include powers of attorney, contracts, and copies of qualification certificates.

Paper-based apostille and e-Apostille

Both types are requested online. The paper-based version is posted, although registered businesses can also bring documents in person. The e-Apostille is a PDF that a notary or solicitor in the UK has signed electronically.

Some receiving authorities want paper even where an electronic apostille exists, so check their requirements before choosing.

What an e-Apostille cannot cover

The electronic option is not available for:

• documents recording births, deaths, marriages, civil partnerships and adoptions, and other General Register Office records;
• ACRO police certificates (England and Wales);
• DBS certificates (England and Wales);
• disclosure certificates (Scotland and Northern Ireland);
• fingerprint certificates.

Any of these has to go through the paper-based process instead.

Fees per document

Courier charges apply to the paper-based options, and there is no refund when a document cannot be legalised.

How long each type takes