about the apostille serviceThe apostille service is provided to verify documents for use overseas. There are many documents that need apostilles for various reasons and it is important that your documents are presented in the right way. Our professional service was started in 1998 and is designed to make acquiring an apostille as simple as possible with one easy to use order form and free support by telephone and email. We are one of the most established and long running apostille services available in the UK today and we believe no other service has the same wealth of experience we can offer to ensure your document legalisation is done correctly and quickly.

So how do we help?

On receipt of your order we will first check that your document is suitable for processing. The document must be signed correctly, officially stamped or sealed, and in general must be of UK origin. There are certain documents that cannot be issued with an apostille and we will endeavour to assist you in obtaining the correct documents where possible. In the event that your document cannot be processed it will be returned to you at no cost. Many documents require further certification before the apostille can be issued. Where possible we can arrange for documents to be certified often at no additional cost to you. Once your document has been checked we will of course ensure that your documents are safely processed through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (the government issuing office) and that the apostille is issued correctly depending on the document provided. Our fees include all government charges.

Benefits of using our service?

Free advice by email and telephone

No call centres, no automated phone systems, real advisors answering your calls and emails. Our legalisation team will provide answers to all of your questions and help you understand the apostille service. You can call us during normal working hours or email us for a prompt reply. We provide free advice before, during and after you place an order.

Email support within 2 hours

We aim to reply to all email enquiries within 2 working hours. In most circumstances emails are answered within just a few minutes. However, we do receive a high volume of emails and during peak hours it may take an hour or two for us to respond to you. All emails are answered professionally as quickly as possible.

Visit our office in person to hand deliver your documents

Our legalisation office is open from 9.00 to 17.30 - Monday to Friday. One of the team will be pleased to discuss your documents with you and start the apostille service.

Quick and efficient service

Most documents are issued with the apostille in just 3 working days. Other documents can take a few days longer to process. If your documents arrive before 11am on a normal working day we begin processing and aim to complete the service the following day.

Expert Knowledge

With over 15 years experience legalising documents we know exactly how to legalise every document. We offer advice on your personal circumstances and where possible save you money by grouping documents together.

Pay by credit card, cheque, postal order or bank transfer

We accept all credit cards either online, by phone or in person. If you prefer to pay by bank transfer just ask us for our bank details. Alternatively you can post a cheque or postal order with your documents.

Solicitor certification of documents

Our fully inclusive service also ensures documents are signed by one of our solicitors when required.

Saving you money

Many countries will accept legally bound sets of documents. This is common for company documents and people with academic certificates. (Please note we cannot put government issued documents into sets).

Embassy Attestation

If your documents need further attestation by one of the embassies in London we can help. We courier documents into various embassies every day for a fast and safe embassy legalisation service.

Checking Documents

Errors and delays are reduced by checking your documents before they are submitted. We see many documents every week that are not correctly signed, dated or certified. When an error is identified we will contact you to provide clear advice on getting your documents prepared correctly.

Translating Documents

If required we can translate your documents at the same time as doing the apostille certificate so can save you time and money. Ask us for a translation quote.

Delivering in UK and Overseas

Working with several couriers we can safely dispatch your documents anywhere in the world. We always recommend you choose a courier delivery for return of documents so that we can track documents to your door. If you prefer first class post you accept the liability for any documents that get lost in the post.

Recognised by the FCDO

Our business is recognised by the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) as a registered business customer. We visit the FCDO every day to hand deliver and collect your documents. The security of your documents whilst in our possession is of paramount importance and no third parties handle documents whilst the apostille is being issued. Trust us with your documents.

Our registered company details

The Apostille Service is a trading name of Small Firms Services Ltd a company registered in the UK with company registration number 3658573. We have been in business since 1998 and operate from our head office in Coventry where you are welcome to visit us to discuss your document legalisation requirements. As you can see we have been providing document legalisation services for a long time so you can trust us with your documents. Just take a look at our reviews for honest independent testimonials or give us a call if you have any questions, we are always happy to help.