Apostille Documents – Do they need solicitor certification?
Need an apostille, but not sure if it needs to be signed by a solicitor? Let’s take a look at the most common documents that need apostilles.
No Solicitor Certification
These documents do NOT need solicitor certification before the apostille can be added. Mostly government issued documents that are signed or stamped by the issuing organisation of government office.
Civil Documents
- Birth certificates (originals issued by the General Register Office or local registry office).
- Marriage certificates (originals issued by the General Register Office or local registry office).
- Death certificates (originals issued by the General Register Office or local registry office).
- Civil partnership certificates (originals issued by the General Register Office or local registry office).
- Adoption certificates (originals issued by the General Register Office or courts).
Government-Issued Documents
- ACRO police certificates signed by an ACRO officer.
- No trace document signed by Passport Office .
- Certificates of no impediment (CNI) issued by a UK registry office.
- Immigration status letters issued by the UK Home Office.
- Tax documents by HM Revenue & Customs (e.g., certificates of residence).
Medical Documents
- Medical letters signed by a doctor
- Health records signed by a doctor
Court Documents
- Court orders and judgments issued and stamped by UK courts (must be an ink stamp).
- Decree absolute or final orders issued and stamped by UK courts (must be an ink stamp).
- Wills and probate documents ‘sealed’ by a UK court or the probate registry.
Pre Certified Documents
- Any document previously signed and certified by a UK solicitor.
- Any document previously signed and certified by a UK notary.
Solicitor Certification is Required – Personal Documents
There are many documents the must be certified by a UK solicitor before the UK apostille can be issued. For the majority of these we include solicitor certification in our service.
Educational Documents
- Degree certificates.
- Masters certificates.
- PhD certificates.
- Diploma certificates.
- Transcripts and university letters.
- A-level or GCSE certificates.
Personal Documents
- DBS background checks
- Change of name deeds.
- Driving licence.
- Passports (we need to see the original and prepare a copy).
- Divorce court documents with digital seals.
Training and Qualification Documents
- Training certificates (e.g., professional development or vocational training).
- Teaching qualifications (e.g., QTS certificates).
- Apprenticeship certificates.
- Membership Certificates (e.g accounting or professional bodies).
- Bank statements (sometimes required for certain applications abroad).
Employment-Related Documents
- Employment references.
- Job offers.
- Employment contracts.
- Employment history documents.
(These need to be sent to us by the issuing employer)
Solicitor Certification is Required – Business Documents
Many UK business documents need an apostille before they can be submitted outside of the UK. Solicitor certification is often required on these company documents so that the apostille can be issued.
Business Incorporation Documents
- Articles of Association.
- Memorandum of Association.
- Certificates of Incorporation.
- Companies House downloads.
- Company accounts or annual returns.
Property Documents
- Deeds of sale or purchase agreements.
- Land registry documents or title deeds.
- Lease agreements or tenancy agreements.
(These need to be sent to us by a recognised organisation)
Financial Documents
- Tax residency certificates (HMRC-issued).
Export and Trade Documents
- Certificates of origin.
- Commercial invoices.
- Packing lists.
- Export licenses.
(These need to be sent to us by a recognised organisation)
Pre-Certification of Documents is Required
Some documents MUST be signed by a solicitor BEFORE they are sent to us. Government documents must be signed by an official. Other personal documents that either need ‘witnessing’ or we cannot verify the contents of the document, need signing by YOUR solicitor.
Formal Documents
- Tax residency certificates issued and signed by HMRC.
- Documents issued and signed by Companies House (e.g., good standing certificates, certified copies of company documents).
Bank Documents
- Bank reference letters signed by YOUR Solicitor.
- Loan agreements signed by YOUR Solicitor.
- Mortgage documents signed by YOUR Solicitor.
Financial Documents
- Power of attorney signed by YOUR Solicitor.
- Affidavits signed by YOUR Solicitor.
- Board resolutions signed by YOUR Solicitor.
- Signature documents signed by YOUR Solicitor.
- Bank Account opening papers signed by YOUR Solicitor.
Travel Documents
- Permission to travel signed by YOUR Solicitor.
- Child travel document signed by YOUR Solicitor.