Apostille Services for Personal Documents
Get your personal documents legalised quickly and securely with our UK apostille service. Apostilles are needed when UK-issued documents are being used abroad. Whether you're getting married overseas, applying for a visa, studying abroad, or managing family matters internationally, we handle the legalisation process from start to finish.
What Is a Personal Document Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). It confirms that a UK-issued document is genuine and is legally recognised in countries that are members of the Hague Convention. Because requirements vary depending on the country and the purpose, we recommend you check with the end user (such as an embassy, employer, or university) to confirm what is expected.
The apostille:
Confirms the authenticity of the signature, seal, or stamp on your document
Is a separate sheet attached to your document, bearing an official FCDO stamp and signature
Replaces the need for embassy legalisation in over 100 countries, making international document use faster and easier
Personal documents often require an apostille when used abroad for official matters such as marriage, education, inheritance, or immigration. Without the apostille, these documents may not be accepted.
Types of Documents We Cover
We legalise a wide range of personal documents for international use. Commonly apostilled documents include:
Birth certificates – often needed for dual citizenship, visas, or proof of identity abroad
Marriage certificates – frequently required when applying for spousal visas or name changes
Death certificates – used for inheritance matters or estate administration overseas
Academic records (degrees, diplomas, transcripts) – needed for studying, working, or relocating abroad
Divorce papers – used in legal proceedings or remarriage applications overseas
Police clearance certificates (ACRO) – often required for employment, visas, or residency applications
Adoption certificates – necessary for confirming identity or applying for citizenship abroad
We also assist with:
Civil partnership certificates
Name change or deed poll documents
Court orders (e.g. custody arrangements)
Statutory declarations or affidavits
NHS medical letters (when requested by foreign authorities)
Our most common requests are for birth and marriage certificates, police certificates, and doctors’ letters for people applying for Spanish residency visas. We also frequently handle degree certificates for those emigrating overseas for work, often alongside family visa documentation.
If you're unsure whether your document qualifies, get in touch and we’ll confirm whether it can be apostilled or if it first requires notary certification.
Most Common Personal Documents for Apostille
To make things easier, we’ve listed the most common documents we handle, along with guidance on how they should be submitted:
Birth Certificates (GRO issued): Originals required or certified copies issued from the General Registry Office (GRO) Notary Certified copies are not accepted.
Marriage Certificates (GRO issued): Originals required or certified copies issued from the General Registry Office (GRO), Notary certification is not usually needed. Notary certified copies are not accepted.
Death Certificates: Originals required or certified copies issued from the General Registry Office (GRO), Notary certification not usually needed. Notary certified copies are not accepted.
Police Certificates (ACRO): Originals required.
Doctor’s Letters / NHS Medical Letters: Must be signed by an authorised official with a registered signature.
Degree Certificates: Require certification by a Notary Public before apostille.
Academic Transcripts: Notary certification required.
Adoption Certificates: Originals required.
Civil Partnership Certificates: Originals required or certified copies issued from the General Registry Office (GRO), Notary certification not usually needed. Notarised certified copies are not accepted.
Divorce Papers / Court Orders: Court-issued originals, or notarised copies if originals are not available.
Statutory Declarations / Affidavits: Must be signed before a Notary Public.
Power of Attorney: Must be notarised with signature, date, seal and emboss.
Important notes:
Apostilles can only be issued on documents bearing an original registered signature or seal.
Laminated documents or documents with electronic signatures are not accepted by the FCDO.
Where the original signature is not on record with the FCDO, notarisation will be required before submission.
When and Why You May Need an Apostille
You'll typically need an apostille if you're:
Getting married abroad and need to prove marital status or identity
Applying for dual citizenship or registering a child's birth overseas
Enrolling in a foreign university or proving qualifications
Moving abroad for work and need to show proof of education or a clean criminal record
Involved in international legal proceedings (e.g. divorce or inheritance)
Appointed under a power of attorney for someone living abroad
Most personal documents must be originals, or they may require certification by a Notary Public before they can be apostilled. Solicitor certification is not valid outside the UK. Apostille Express cannot provide notary services directly, but we can refer you to a trusted local notary if needed. We’ll confirm exactly what is required for your specific document before submission
How the Apostille Process Works
We simplify the process in four steps:
Choose your document type and service
Use our secure online form.
Submit your documents
Post them, send by courier, or hand-deliver them to our office.
Verification
We check the documents and confirm if notary certification is required before FCDO submission.
Payment
Once your order is confirmed, payment is taken securely over the phone by card (we do not offer credit).
Apostille
We obtain the apostille from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) using the next working day service available to registered providers.
Return
Once complete, your documents are returned via DHL Domestic, DHL International, or made available for collection from our office.
Why Choose Us for Personal Apostilles
Registered FCDO provider – daily submissions using the next working day service.
Experienced team – Apostille Express was founded in January 2023, and our staff bring almost 30 years of industry experience.
Personal service – no call centres, just direct access to our expert team.
Secure handling – documents are delivered by our own couriers to the FCDO and embassies, with no third parties involved until final dispatch.
Transparent pricing – all fees explained upfront, no hidden charges.
Trusted reputation – consistently positive Trustpilot reviews
Urgent services – fast turnaround available, including next working day where eligible.
Personal Apostille Services FAQs
How do I get a birth certificate apostilled in the UK?
Send the original certificate (or a certified copy) to us. We'll check it, submit it to the FCDO, and return it with an apostille attached.
Can I apostille a scanned or photocopied document?
We can help arrange this only if it's been certified by a UK notary.
Can I include several documents in one order?
Yes. Make sure all the documents are listed on the form and sent together.
Do I need notary certification for personal documents?
Birth certificates from the General Register Office don’t, but degree certificates often require certification by a Notary Public (solicitor certification is not valid outside the UK). We’ll confirm exactly what is required.
How long does it take?
Standard processing is usually 2–3 working days from receipt to dispatch, provided documents are correct and payment is made promptly. Express and same-day services are available in some cases.
What countries accept apostilled documents?
All Hague Convention members. View the complete list. For non-Hague countries (e.g. UAE), you may also need embassy legalisation.
Do you offer international return delivery?
Yes. All returns are made using DHL (Domestic or International). You can also collect your documents in person from our office.
Order Your Apostille Today
Order online with no upfront payment. Our experienced UK team will manage the whole process for you and return your documents securely and quickly.