What is an apostille certificate?

What exactly is an apostille certificate?

An apostille certificate is a one-page certificate issued under the Hague Convention that authenticates the origin of a UK public document so it can be recognised in any of the Convention’s 120-plus member states. In the United Kingdom, apostilles are issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), previously known as the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO).

When do you need one?

• Hague Convention Countries
  If the country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, the apostille alone is usually all that's required. Once issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), your document is legally recognised abroad without further authentication. See all Hague Convention countries.
• Non-Hague Convention Countries
  If the country is not a signatory to the Hague Convention, the apostille is usually just the first step. After apostille, your document will typically need to be further legalised by that country's embassy or consulate in the UK to be accepted.

Note: Always check with the relevant authority (university, employer, immigration office, etc.) in the destination country to confirm whether additional steps are required.

Notary vs Solicitor

• For most public documents (e.g. birth certificates, court orders), the official signature is already present, so the apostille can be applied immediately.
• For all other documents (scans, powers of attorney, company papers, translations), you usually need either a solicitor or a notary public to certify the document first.
• UK Solicitor Certification: A practising solicitor adds a signed statement (a “certified true copy” or “solicitor’s certificate”) confirming the copy is genuine or that they witnessed the original signature. This is accepted for most routine business and personal paperwork and is generally cheaper than notarisation.
• Notary Public Certification: A notary public is an independent lawyer whose seal carries international weight. Notaries are preferred—or explicitly required—by some overseas authorities for documents such as powers of attorney, affidavits, company resolutions, and academic transcripts for certain jurisdictions (e.g. Middle East, South America, mainland Europe).
• Key point: The apostille never substitutes the solicitor/notary stage; it simply confirms that the solicitor or notary is genuine. Skipping the first step will lead to rejection by the FCDO.

What does the UK apostille look like?

The certificate is normally a square sheet (≈15 cm), permanently glued to your document and embossed with the FCDO seal. Other member states may use an ink stamp or adhesive label, but every apostille follows the same 10‑field layout.

The universal checklist

1. Country – issuing state
2. Has been signed by – name of official/notary
3. Acting in the capacity of – their role
4. Bears the seal/stamp of – office or court (may be blank)
5. At – city or authority (e.g. London)
6. Date – 5 January 2016
7. By – issuing authority (UK: “His Majesty’s Principal Secretary of State for Foreign & Commonwealth Affairs”)
8. Number – unique reference
9. Seal/Stamp – embossed or ink seal
10. Signature – authorised officer

UK apostille service at a glance

• Standard (postal): 4–6 working days — £45
• Next-day courier partners: 1 working day — £40
• Digital e‑Apostille: Same/next working day — £35
• Urgent counter service: Same day — £100

e-Apostilles & online verification

Since 2022 the UK Legalisation Office has offered a fully digital e‑Apostille: upload a PDF, pay online, and receive a signed, verifiable certificate the next working day. Eligibility for e-apostille depends on the type of document. Check which documents qualify and see detailed instructions in our e-apostille guide.

Does an apostille expire?

The certificate itself never expires, but the underlying document may have its own validity period (for example, police checks are often accepted only for three months).

Typical documents that need an apostille

How to get a document apostilled (UK)

1. Confirm the destination country is a Hague member. If not, your document may need additional embassy attestation. See our embassy attestation guide for details.
2. Prepare originals or certified copies (plus translations if required).
3. Apply online via our contact form.
4. Send documents (paper service) or upload scans (e‑Apostille).
5. Verify the certificate number upon return, then forward your document abroad.

Key takeaways

• An apostille is a single international authentication recognised by over 120 countries.
• In the UK it is issued exclusively by the FCDO Legalisation Office.
• Paper and digital options cost £35–£100 (April 2025).
• The apostille never expires, but receiving authorities may impose currency rules on the underlying document.