How to Get an Apostille in the UK (2025 Edition)

Updated

Need to register a UK birth certificate in Spain, prove your degree in the United States, or send a power of attorney to Japan? You’ll probably be asked for an apostille. This guide walks you through the Hague Apostille process, costs, turnaround times and when it’s worth using a specialist agency.

Apostille Basics

What is an apostille?

An apostille is a certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) that confirms the authenticity of a UK public document for use in any country that is party to the 1961 Hague Convention on Apostilles.

Apostille vs notarisation

  • Purpose
    Notarisation confirms a signature, stamp or seal is genuine.
    Apostille confirms the whole document is genuine for international use.
  • Who issues it?
    Notarisation is issued by a UK notary public or solicitor.
    Apostille is issued by the FCDO Legalisation Office.
  • Where is it valid?
    Notarisation is primarily within the UK.
    Apostille is valid in all Hague Convention countries.

Which UK documents usually need an apostille?

  • Vital records – birth, marriage, civil-partnership and death certificates
  • Academic qualifications – GCSE/A-level results, degree certificates, transcripts
  • Police / background checks – ACRO, DBS certificates
  • Powers of attorney & affidavits
  • Company paperwork – certificates of incorporation, articles of association, board resolutions

The UK Apostille Process – Step by Step

  • 1. Identify the document:
    Check it is an original or an FCDO-accepted certified copy. Note: 'True copy' stamps from banks, accountants, post offices, or local shops, even if they look official, are generally not accepted by the FCDO.
  • 2. Prepare the document:
    Remove clips, laminate covers or frames; ensure it is clean and fully legible. Note: Damaged or laminated certificates are usually rejected.
  • 3. Optional: Notary/solicitor certification:
    Some documents (e.g. degree scans, powers of attorney) must be signed by a UK solicitor or notary first. Note: Ask the foreign recipient whether they need notarisation as well as an apostille.
  • 4. Submit to the FCDO:
    Apply online for a paper apostille by posting your original documents, or opt for an e-Apostille by uploading a digitally signed PDF. When applying directly through the FCDO, processing times can take up to 15 working days without the use of a registered agent .
  • 5. (Optional) Use an agent:
    Registered agents visit the Legalisation Office daily and can obtain same-day or next-day apostilles for an additional fee. Order your apostille with us, and receive your documents quickly and securely with our fully managed service.
  • 6. Receive your documents back:
    Paper apostilles return by courier or pre-paid envelope; e-Apostilles arrive by email. Note: Double-check everything before forwarding documents overseas.

Fees & Turnaround Times (June 2025)

  • Standard (paper): £82 per document – 1-2 days + delivery
  • Next-Day (registered businesses): £82 per document – Must arrive before 10AM, next-day issue
  • e-Apostille: £95 per document – Digitally signed; check acceptability with recipient

Processing times exclude courier/postal transit and public holidays.

Where is a UK apostille accepted?

An apostilled document is automatically recognised in every Hague Convention country—from France, Germany and Spain to the USA, Brazil, Japan and Australia. The convention continues to expand (Bangladesh joins on 30 March 2025), so always check the latest list before sending papers, see all Hague Convention countries.

Apostille + Translation

If the destination country is non-English-speaking, you may need:

  1. A certified translation before the document is apostilled, or
  2. An apostille on the translation itself (when the translator's declaration is notarised). See our translation services.

Apostille UK legalises thousands of documents every year. Order online in minutes and get your paperwork apostilled within 2 working days.

View prices & order online

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is it cheaper to use an agent?
    Agents charge handling fees but can save courier costs, reduce errors and significantly cut waiting times. Order your apostille with us for a quick, reliable, and hassle-free service.
  • Can I walk into the FCDO office?
    No. The Legalisation Office accepts only pre-booked commercial drop-offs and courier deliveries; there is no public counter service. If you apply directly without an agent, processing times can be as long as 15 working days.
  • Can a UK solicitor issue an apostille?
    No. Only the FCDO issues apostilles. A solicitor or notary may certify the document first, but the apostille itself always comes from the Legalisation Office.

Key Takeaways

  • Plan ahead; even with an e-Apostille, allow time for any solicitor steps and shipping.
  • Use the online FCDO portal for the lowest fees, or a registered agent for convenience, and to avoid FCDO processing times of up to 15 working days, see our services.
  • Check destination-country rules for translation or extra embassy attestation.