Apostille for UK Documents
An apostille is an official certificate issued by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) that confirms a UK document is genuine for use overseas. Apostilles are required when a foreign country, usually a member of the Hague Convention, asks for proof that a UK-issued document is authentic.
This guide provides an overview of how the apostille process works for different document types and links to detailed guides for specific documents, including birth, marriage, death, academic, and business papers.
Apostilles are only needed when a UK-issued document is intended for use abroad. If the document is being used within the UK, no apostille is necessary.
What an Apostille Does for Different Document Types
Apostilles standardise authentication across more than 120 countries. All apostilles confirm that a UK-issued document is legally recognised and can be trusted abroad. The process differs depending on:
Issuing authority: government department, court, registry office, academic institution, or private organisation.
Document type: some documents require the original, others can use a Notary Public certified copy.
Translations: documents not in English may need certified translations for acceptance abroad.
Certain documents, such as certificates from the General Register Office (GRO), must be original; others, such as powers of attorney, contracts, or affidavits, can use a Notary Public certified copy. Apostille Express’ team can refer you to a network of Notaries local to them for certification.
Common UK Documents Requiring an Apostille
Birth certificates
Marriage certificates
Death certificates
Academic degrees and transcripts
Company incorporation documents
Power of attorney
HMRC/tax records and letters
Court documents (probate, divorce decrees, etc.)
Notarised contracts and affidavits
Criminal record checks (DBS/ACRO)
Business and commercial agreements
For step-by-step guidance on each type, visit our dedicated guides:
Apostille for Power of Attorney
Apostille for HMRC Documents
Apostille for Court Documents
Apostille for Notarised Documents
Apostille for Criminal Record Checks
Our General Apostille Process
Confirm document type and requirements
Check with our team whether the receiving authority requires the original or if a Notary Public certified copy is acceptable.
Notary Public certification if required
Only a Notary Public’s certification is valid outside the UK. Apostille Express can refer clients to local Notaries to complete this step.
Document submission
Documents can be sent to Apostille Express via post, courier, or hand delivery. We handle documents exclusively, hand-delivering them to the FCDO and/or relevant consulate as needed. No third parties are involved until dispatch. You can submit your application via our dedicated application form.
Verification and apostille
The FCDO checks the signatures or seals on the documents and attaches the apostille certificate, confirming the document’s authenticity for international use.
Return of documents
Completed documents are returned via DHL Domestic, DHL International, or collection from our office. Clients receive a scanned proof of the apostille along with a tracking number.
Note: GRO certificates like birth, marriage, and death cannot be apostilled digitally and must be submitted as paper originals.
Apostille Timeframes and Costs
Apostille: £40 per document
Embassy Handling: £30 per document
DHL Domestic: £12.50 per order
DHL International: £55 per order
Certified translations: price on application (POA)
Typical apostille processing times:
Standard agent service: 2–3 working days from receipt to dispatch
Express/next-day service: possible for urgent orders, depending on document and submission requirements
Payment is taken over the phone by card. No credit is provided; documents cannot be submitted without payment.
Refunds: The FCDO does not refund fees for incorrect documents. Apostille Express will refund cases queried for signature verification.
Apostille Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apostille a photocopy?
No, but some foreign authorities may require recently issued documents or a new apostille certificate for updated verification.
Can the UK apostille overseas documents?
No. Only documents issued or certified in the UK can receive a UK apostille. Foreign documents must generally be apostilled in their country of origin.
Can I get an apostille for any document?
Documents must bear an original registered signature or seal for an apostille to be issued. The FCDO does not issue apostilles to laminated documents or against electronic/copy signatures. Not all government or official signatures are registered with the FCDO; where a signature is not registered, a Notary Public may need to certify the document first.
What countries accept apostilles from the UK?
Countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention recognise UK apostilles. Different legalisation processes may be needed for countries outside this convention, such as embassy attestation.
Ready to Get Started?
For secure, professional apostille processing, select your document type from our dedicated guides or contact our team for step-by-step assistance. Apostille Express manages the process end-to-end, ensuring your UK documents are correctly authenticated for use abroad with minimal stress.