DBS Certificate
DBS documents require solicitor certification before the apostille can be issued. DBS do not ‘sign’ the certificate. The document must be checked by an FCDO registered solicitor and correct certified. We provide a complete legalisation service for DBS certificates.
Frequently used for:
If you need to use a UK DBS certificate overseas, it will usually require an apostille from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The apostille confirms that the document has been correctly certified by a UK solicitor so it can be recognised internationally.
Why a DBS Certificate Requires Solicitor Certification
Unlike documents such as birth certificates or ACRO police certificates, a DBS certificate does not contain a verifiable government signature. Because there is no official signature for the FCDO to authenticate, the document must first be certified by a UK solicitor before the apostille can be issued.
How does the process work?
The legalisation of a DBS follows a few steps.
- The original DBS certificate is presented to a UK solicitor.
- The solicitor checks the document to confirm it appears genuine and contains the expected security features.
- The solicitor then certifies the original DBS certificate with an official signature and statement.
- The document is submitted to the FCDO for the apostille.
- The apostille is attached to the back of the document, confirming the authenticity of the solicitor’s signature.
Once completed, the document can be accepted by authorities overseas.
Original DBS
DBS Certificates Must Be Submitted as the Original Document
For apostille purposes, the original DBS certificate must be used. The solicitor will review the document directly before applying their certification. This ensures the certification is applied to the correct document and allows the FCDO to issue the apostille without delay.
Our Complete Apostille Service
Our apostille service provides a simple, one-stop solution for legalising DBS certificates.
Instead of arranging multiple appointments, we manage the entire process for you:
- Solicitor certification of the original DBS certificate
- Submission to the FCDO for the apostille
- Secure return delivery once completed
This means you do not need to locate a solicitor yourself, arrange an appointment, or pay high local solicitor fees.
Our solicitor is registered with the FCDO, ensuring the signature is recognised and eligible for the apostille service.
Processing Times
Once we receive your DBS certificate, the solicitor certification and apostille process is usually completed within 1 to 2 working days, plus delivery time.
How to Order
- Place your order online.
- Send your original DBS certificate to our office.
- We complete the solicitor certification and apostille.
- Your legalised document is returned by tracked delivery.
Choose the Service You Need
If your document is being used in a country that is part of the Apostille convention then the document will usually need the Apostille. We can assist with this!
Embassy attestation is needed when documents are being used in countries that are not part of the Hague Apostille Convention. We can assist with getting documents by many embassies.
We offer standard translations and sworn translations for the vast majority of countries. Ensure your documents can be understood in the country they are being presented!