Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
The foreign ministry. For residents, it runs the Legalisation Office (apostilles on UK documents) and consular help for British nationals abroad.
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Legalise a UK document (apostille)
To use a UK document such as a birth certificate abroad, you may need an apostille from the FCDO Legalisation Office.
Official links
| Official source | Applies to |
|---|---|
| GOV.UK: get a document legalised www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised | Whole UK |
Who handles it
Step by step
- Ask whoever requested the document whether they need the original or a certified copy, and whether a UK notary or solicitor must sign it.
- Check the document can be legalised: it must be issued by a UK court, public registry, government department or registered doctor, or certified by a UK public official.
- Apply online for a paper apostille or an e-Apostille.
- For a paper apostille, send the documents as instructed; for an e-Apostille, download it when you get the email.
What you need
- The original UK document or a copy certified by a UK notary or solicitor, as the recipient requires.
- A debit or credit card.
- For paper apostilles sent by post: a return address and access to a printer.
Common mistakes
- Trying to legalise a document issued outside the UK: it has to be legalised in the country that issued it.
- Not checking first whether the recipient accepts an e-Apostille or needs a paper one.