Paper Apostille
The UK Legalisation Office can attach an apostille to an eligible UK document after checking the relevant signature, stamp or seal.
UK document legalisation
UK Apostille Service & Document Legalisation
Need to use a UK document overseas? We help you identify the appropriate legalisation route, including FCDO apostille, solicitor or notary preparation and embassy legalisation where required.
FCDO apostille route review
Solicitor or notary preparation where required
Embassy legalisation support where applicable
Choose the correct route
Apostille, e-Apostille or Embassy Legalisation?
“Legalisation” can describe several different steps. The correct route depends on the document, the country where it will be used and the exact instructions of the receiving authority.
e-Apostille
An electronic apostille is available for some eligible electronically signed documents. It is not available for every document type or every overseas requirement.
Embassy Legalisation
Some destination countries or receiving authorities require a further embassy or consular step after the UK apostille has been issued.
Before you pay for extra steps:
confirm the destination country, receiving authority and whether they require an original, certified copy, paper apostille, e-Apostille or embassy attestation.
Documents covered
What UK Documents Can Be Legalised?
Many official UK documents can be legalised directly, while other documents may first need to be certified by a UK solicitor or notary.
Personal
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Death certificates
- Divorce documents
- Police certificates where eligible
- Medical documents where eligible
Academic
- Degrees
- Diplomas
- Academic transcripts
- Professional qualifications
Business
- Certificates of incorporation
- Companies House documents
- Board resolutions
- Powers of attorney
- Eligible commercial documents
If your document is not listed, send us a copy and explain where it will be used. Eligibility depends on the document and the signature, seal or certification attached to it.
Before legalisation
Does Your Document Need Certification First?
Not every document can go straight to the Legalisation Office. The form of the document and the signature or seal on it determine whether another certification step is required first.
- A copy of a passport or driving licence may need certification.
- A qualification, contract or power of attorney may require a solicitor or notary signature before legalisation.
- The receiving authority may specifically request notarisation.
- Some official registry or government documents can be eligible without an additional certification step.
Paper or digital
Paper Apostille vs e-Apostille
Both are official UK legalisation routes, but the document and overseas recipient determine which format is appropriate.
| Question | Paper apostille | e-Apostille |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Physical apostille attached to the relevant document. | Electronic apostille supplied as part of a digitally legalised PDF. |
| Document submission | Physical documents are submitted for the paper route. | The document must meet the electronic-signature and eligibility requirements. |
| Suitable for all documents? | Used for many physical UK documents, subject to eligibility. | No. Several document categories are excluded from the e-Apostille route. |
| What should you check? | Ask the receiving authority which apostille format it accepts before proceeding. | |
Important:
UK General Register Office birth, death and marriage certificates are among the document types that GOV.UK currently states are not eligible for an e-Apostille.
How it works
A Clear Route From Document Check to Legalisation
Start with the overseas requirement rather than adding certification steps automatically.
Send the document
Provide a clear scan and tell us the destination country and receiving authority.
Check the route
The document format, certification requirement and legalisation route can then be reviewed.
Confirm the scope
You can be told what needs to be supplied and which additional steps apply before processing begins.
Complete the required steps
The appropriate apostille, certification or embassy route can then be completed and the documents returned.
Need a translation too?
Apostille Legalisation and Translation Are Separate Requirements
If the overseas authority also requires the document in another language, the original document and the translation do not necessarily follow the same legalisation route.
Timing and requirements
How Long Does Document Legalisation Take?
The overall timeline depends on the document, the required certification route and whether additional embassy or consular legalisation is involved.
Official FCDO processing times can also change. If you are working towards a visa, employment, study, property, court or registration deadline, include the date when you send your documents.
- Tell us the country where the document will be used.
- Include the receiving authority's written instructions if available.
- State whether you hold an original or a copy.
- Include your required completion date.
Why use a managed service?
✓
✓
✓
✓
Reduce Avoidable Legalisation Problems
Document legalisation is easier when the required route is checked before originals are posted or additional certification is purchased.
Document pre-checks
Review the document form and requirements before the legalisation process moves forward.
Multiple stages in one route
Certification, apostille and embassy steps can be considered together where the overseas requirement calls for them.
Clear customer instructions
Know which document to send and whether an original or appropriately certified copy is required.
UK-wide ordering
Send your initial documents online and follow the appropriate physical-document route where originals are needed.
Common questions
Document Legalisation FAQs
Do I need an apostille for every UK document used overseas?
No. The requirement depends on the destination country and the receiving authority. Ask the organisation requesting the document whether legalisation is required and which format it accepts.
What does a UK apostille actually authenticate?
The Legalisation Office checks an eligible signature, stamp or seal against its records. When it can be verified, an apostille is attached to legalise the document for the relevant overseas use.
Can a certified copy be legalised instead of the original?
Sometimes. Certain documents can use an appropriately certified copy, while others require the original. The receiving authority may also specify who must certify the document.
Can every document use an e-Apostille?
No. e-Apostille eligibility is restricted. Some documents, including General Register Office certificates and certain police or disclosure certificates, require another route.
Is an apostille the same as embassy legalisation?
No. An apostille is UK legalisation issued through the Legalisation Office. Some countries or authorities require an additional embassy or consular step after the apostille.
What if my legalised document also needs translating?
Translation and legalisation are separate requirements. The overseas authority may want the original legalised first, or it may specify additional certification for the translated document. See our apostille translation service for the translation-specific route.
Can a UK apostille be issued for a document from another country?
The UK Legalisation Office does not legalise documents issued outside the UK. Those documents normally need to follow the legalisation process of the country where they were issued.
Before you send an original
Check the Legalisation Route for Your Document
Send a clear copy, the destination country and any instructions from the receiving authority so the required certification and legalisation steps can be identified.