WHAT IS THE APOSTILLE
The apostille is a government issued certificate
The Apostille is an official government issued certificate added to documents so they will be recognised in when presented in another country. UK documents being used abroad may require an apostille.
Typically the Apostille Certificate is issued by the state from which the document originates although in some cases another state can issue the Apostille. Once a document has had an Apostille Certificate attached to it confirming the authenticity of signatures and seals it can be presented to any country which recognises the Apostille. The authority receiving the document should then accept the seals or signatures as true and valid without requesting further evidence or proof.
Apostille Certificates issued in the UK will be accepted in the following countries without further legalisation – Apostille Countries. Even countries not listed may still accept the Apostille but in some cases will require further legalisation as detailed on the following page – Embassy Legalisation.
What does the apostille look like?
The apostille contains ten points
- Country of issue
- Who has signed the document
- The capacity in which the person signed the document
- Details of any seal on the document
- Place of issue
- Date of issue
- Issuing authority
- Apostille Certificate number
- Stamp of issuing authority
- Signature of representative of issuing authority