Ukrainian police certificate: state fees, timelines and service

An apostille is a stamped official certificate. A document counts as legalised when a UK public official issued it or when such an official — a UK notary or a solicitor, for example — has certified it. When a document qualifies, the FCDO Legalisation Office is the body that attaches the apostille to it after comparing the signature or seal with its own records. Examples given on gov.uk are a power of attorney as well as a contract, and a qualification certificate copy that a solicitor has certified.

Two formats, one online route

You apply online for either format. The paper-based apostille is handled by post, or in person for registered businesses. The e-Apostille is a PDF that carries the electronic signature of a UK solicitor or a notary. Before choosing, ask the authority that will receive the document whether it insists on paper; some do, even where an electronic apostille is possible.

Documents an e-Apostille cannot cover

An e-Apostille is not available for certificates of marriage, birth, death, adoption or civil partnership, nor for other documents issued by the General Register Office. The same restriction applies to ACRO police certificates covering England and Wales, to certificates issued by the Disclosure and Barring Service in England and Wales, to disclosure certificates that cover Scotland and Northern Ireland, and to fingerprint certificates.

What each format costs

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

How long each format takes

For any document on the exclusion list above, the paper-based apostille is the only route.