by Apostille Service
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How Do I Get an Apostille in the UK?
An apostille is a special certification provided under the Hague Convention of 1961 for the purpose of authenticating documents for use in foreign countries. If you need to use a document like a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or a diploma in another country, you may be asked to get an apostille for it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to obtaining one.
1. Check if the Destination Country Requires an Apostille
Before you proceed, ensure that the country where you need your document to be recognised is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention. If it’s not, they may require a different type of authentication. You normally need an apostille when requested to obtain one on a document.
2. Ensure Your Document is Eligible
Most documents can be apostilled. This includes public documents, like birth, marriage, and death certificates, court rulings, solicitor signed documents and educational diplomas, to name a few. Visit our apostille documents page for more information on this.
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3. Process the Original or a Certified Copy
We can process the original document or prepare a certified copy of the document. Some documents an only be processed as an original (e.g. Birth certificates, Criminal Record Checks). Photocopies are typically accepted when legalising academic documents, company documents and personal papers.
4. Contact the Appropriate Authority or Use an Apostille Service
In the UK, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) operates the Legalisation Office, which is responsible for issuing apostilles. Their website provides detailed guidance on the process. Alternatively, the Apostille Service provides a faster service with expert advice and support.
5. Pay the Required Fee
Whether using an apostille service or the FCDO you can order and pay the relevant fee online. You will obtain an order number to include when sending the document for legalisation.
6. Mail or Deliver Your Document
Depending on whether you use the FCDO or the Apostille Service, you need to mail in your document, or hand deliver it in person.
7. Receive Your Apostille
Once the FCDO verifies the authenticity of your document, they will attach the apostille. It’s a single-page certificate glued and stamped onto the back of your document. The apostille will certify the authenticity of the signature and/or seal of the document.
8. For Non-English Documents: Consider Getting a Translation
If your original document is in a language other than the official language of the receiving country, consider getting a certified translation. Some countries might require this for better processing on their end.
Conclusion
Obtaining an apostille might seem like a complicated process, but by breaking it down step-by-step and ensuring you’re working with the appropriate authorities, it becomes much more manageable. Always plan ahead, especially if you’re dealing with time-sensitive matters, to ensure your documents are recognized and accepted in foreign jurisdictions.
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