Our Offices are located directly opposite the front of Charing Cross train station at:Apostille Meaning: What is an Apostille?
Posted on 4th May 2025An apostille is an official certificate issued by the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office that authenticates the signature, seal, or stamp of a UK Notary Public, or Solicitor / government official that is registered at the Foreign Office. This certificate makes the document legally valid for use in countries outside the UK that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. The apostille confirms the document’s origin
and the authority of the person who signed it, allowing it to be recognised abroad without further legalisation. Common documents that may require an apostille include birth certificates, marriage certificates, Power of Attorneys, Statutory Declarations, Wills and Testaments, ID1 forms, and affidavits.
You can check which countries are party to the Apostille convention below.
British / UK Apostille
A British or UK apostille is a government-issued certificate added to official documents to confirm their authenticity for international use. This legalisation service is essential for anyone needing to present UK documents abroad, such as for business, legal, or personal reasons. The apostille is recognised by all countries that are members of the Hague Convention, ensuring your British documents—whether notarised by a solicitor, related to probate, or containing a red seal—are accepted without further legalisation or attestation. UK apostille services are available through our offices and mobile notary service, making it easy to find and apply for this important certificate near you, whether you’re in London, the south, or elsewhere in England.
Apostille a Document: What is the Process?
To apostille a document in the UK, you first need to ensure your document is properly certified—typically by a notary public, especially for legal papers like affidavits, Power of Attorneys, ID1 forms, and Statutory Declarations. The next step is to submit your application to the FCDO, either online or by post, along with the required fees. You can choose between a paper-based apostille (which is physically attached to your document with a stamp and red seal) or an electronic e-Apostille for eligible documents. Once processed, your document is returned with the official apostille attached, confirming its authenticity for international use. You can find a notary public services near you, including mobile options, in London, the south, and west of England.
What Does an Apostille Look Like?
A UK apostille is a square piece of paper, usually about 15cm, permanently glued to your document. It features an official government embossing stamp or seal and contains ten key points, including the country, the name and capacity of the signer (such as a notary public), the office location (like London), date, unique certificate number, and the signature of the issuing officer. The title “Apostille” is printed in French, and the rest of the details are in English. The apostille is an essential paper for the legalisation of documents, making them valid for use abroad.
Why is an Apostille Required?
An apostille is required to ensure that documents that are issued in the UK or that start in the UK – such as birth/marriage certificates, affidavits, ID1 forms, Power of Attorneys, or ACRO certificates – are officially recognised in other countries. Without an apostille, foreign authorities may not accept your documents as genuine. The apostille verifies the authenticity of the signature, stamp, and seal, streamlining international legal, business, and personal processes. This legalisation is particularly important for individuals or businesses that need to undertake legal matters in countries outside the UK e.g. buying a property, going to court, getting married, incorporating businesses.
You can check which countries are party to the Apostille convention below.
Are Apostille Services Legit?
Legitimate apostille services in the UK are provided by the FCDO and authorised notary public solicitors. Always ensure you use a registered office or reputable mobile notary service to avoid scams. Genuine services will clearly define their fees, offer free advice or initial guidance, and can be found easily in London, the south, west, and across England. Official apostille certificates are recognised internationally and come with a government stamp or seal, ensuring your documents are properly notarised and legalised for use abroad.
Posted in Notarial Blog
