Legalising a passport for use in another country need not be expensive or time consuming. Whilst it is predominately a travel document, the passport is also used as proof of identification or citizenship. In various circumstances you may be asked to provide a copy of your passport to an overseas authority, for example when opening an international bank account, and in such situations the Apostille may be required.

The legalisation process for a passport consist of two stages. Firstly, a practicing UK solicitor or Notary Public will certify the authenticity of a copy of the document. The certification will always be added to a copy of the document and the original is untouched.

Following this the certified document is presented to the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office and it is here that the signature of the legal official is verified. Once complete, the legalised copy of the passport will be recognised throughout all members of the Hague Convention allowing you to keep the original safe in your possession.

This legalised copy of your passport can be used for general purposes as evidence of your identity or citizenship when dealing with affairs overseas but it would not be a suitable alternative to the original passport for travelling purposes.

Our experienced team of advisors are at hand to assist with this process and most orders are completed in just 1 to 2 working days. If the document is to be used in a country that is not a member of the Hague convention we can also assist with the embassy attestation where possible.

For assistance with legalising your UK passport with the Apostille please get in touch.