what is an Apostille?
An Apostille is an official certificate that verifies the authenticity of documents for international use. It confirms that the document is genuine, signed, and sealed by an authorised official. Learn how to obtain an Apostille and which documents typically require this certification.
What's the function of an Apostille?
Think of Apostilles as layers of authentication:
- A notary authenticates or certifies a set of facts. For example confirming the signatures on a document. Or a Registrar, registers the birth of a child.
- The FCDO verify the notary's or Registrar's signature and seal
- The recipient can be more secure that the event (the signature) has happened. He or she can be more certain that notary has signed his or her certification.
Apostille meaning
The Hague Apostille Convention sets out how Apostilles functions.
In the United Kingdom, it is the Legalisation Office of the FCDO who provide Apostilles.
Key Takeaways
- An apostille is a government certification that verifies the authenticity of signatures on documents for international use, making them legally valid abroad.
- Documents eligible for an apostille include public documents like birth and marriage certificates, administrative documents like letters from HMRC, and notarised documents.
- Obtaining an apostille can be done directly with the Legalisation Office or through Notary firms who have access to the Legalisation Office business service. Notary firms take documents to the Legalisation Office every day, drop off and return the following day to pick up Apostilled documents.
What Does an apostille look like?
Any document signed by a Notary, examples include:
An Apostille is a paper certificate which sets out different data points as required by The Hague Apostille convention
The information required is
- The Country issuing the Apostille
- The name of the Notary or public official signing the document
- The capacity of the person signing the document
- Confirmation of the seal of their person if applicable. For example a notary or judge.
- The place where the Apostille is issued.
- The date.
- The issuing authority in the UK's case the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
- The unique reference number.
- The embossed seal of the FCDO
- The signature of the FCDO officer.
Apostille meaning imagery
Our Apostille Service In London
We can obtain your Apostille with a guaranteed turnaround.
If you need help with understanding what is an apostille or you need your documents apostilled, get in touch. Visit our Apostille Service London page for more details.
Please contact us on +442074992605
We are happy to help.
What sort of documents can you get an apostille on?
Some documents can be Apostille directly and some need to be certified by a Notary Public first.
Needs to be certified by a Notary Public
- Powers of Attorney
- Certified copies of passports
- Statutory Declarations
- Affidavits
- DBS certificates
- Certificates of Naturalisation
- Decree Absolute
- HMRC letters
- Medical Certificates
- Company House documents
- Certificate of Good Standing
- Certified copies of Degree certificates
Apostille Directly on document
- Birth Certificates
- Death Certificates
- Marriage Certificates
- ACRO Police Certificates
- Certificates of No Impediment
- HMRC letters
- Medical Certificates
These documents will require a 'wet ink' signature by the issuing officer who must have registered themselves with the FCDO. Even though Doctors are entitled to have their signatures Apostilled, most don't so please check with them if you are trying to obtain a Medical Certificate for Apostille.
Are Apostilles accepted everywhere? Do I always need one?
No.
Not every country or territory accepts Apostilles.
Only those who have signed up to The Hague Convention which includes the US, and all EU states.
If a party is not a signatory to The Hague Convention then you may need to get a Consulate Stamp. Please see our Legalisation Office page for details.
Some countries don't need Apostilles or Legalisation these are normally Commonwealth countries such as Australia, Canada and South Africa, but it's best to check with your recipient for confirmation of requirements.
In addition, some countries still insist on legalisation with their embassy or consulate.
The Apostille Convention
The Apostille Convention is an international treaty that simplifies the procedure for certifying foreign public documents in contracting states.
It's governed by the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH), the Convention aims to reduce the need for further certification by the destination state.
An apostille is an international certification comparable to a notarisation, and it may supplement a local notarisation of the document.
The Convention applies between two states, making it easier to use foreign public documents in international transactions.
The apostille is a widely recognised and accepted form of certification, often required for international business transactions, such as importing and exporting goods.
So for example. If someone in Spain wants to know that your birth certificate is genuine. By getting a UK Apostille on this document the person in Spain can be confident that he or she is dealing with an authentic document.
Can I verify an Apostille?
You can verify a UK Apostille using this link: https://www.gov.uk/verify-apostille
FAQ section
Who can Apostille a document in the UK?
The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office are the competent authority for issuing Apostilles in the UK.
What is an Apostille stamp?
An Apostille stamp is an official certificate affixed to a document confirming the person who signed and/or sealed it
How do I get an Apostille?
You can get an Apostille by using the FCDO Legalisation Office service. Please be aware though, there is no guaranteed turnaround for this service. If you want a guaranteed service, we send a messenger to the FCDO every business day and have a Next-Day and 5-day service. See our Apostille Service London page for details.
Can I get an Apostille on my Wedding Certificate or Apostille for marriage certificate UK?
Yes, you can!. An Apostille can be affixed directly onto an original or official copy of a marriage certificate.
Can I get Apostille birth certificate in the UK?
Yes, you can!. An Apostille can be affixed directly onto an original or official copy of a birth certificate.
What does FCO Apostille mean?
Apostille is from the French language meaning appendage.
Is Notary and Apostille the same thing?
No, Notaries are professionals appointed by the Government to provide notary services. An Apostille is a certificate issued under The Hague Convention on Apostilles.
Are there Apostille services in London?
The FCDO no longer has an office in London. Its main office is in Milton Keynes. There are private service providers in London who are business customers of FCDO.
Can I get an e-Apostille or an electronic Apostille?
You can get an e-Apostille by visiting the FCDO Legalisation Office website or we can do it for you, visit our e-Apostille service page.
Is there a same-day Apostille service?
There is a same-day Apostille service run by FCDO (Restricted Urgent Service) but by the time you actually fulfil their requirements as to whether you qualify to get a same-day Apostille, it would be quicker to use the Next-Day service.
Further questions?
Check out our Legalisation Office page for guidance as to what your recipient countries' requirements are.