Can I track my order and get updates?

Yes! In your account, you can see when documents have been delivered, when they are being processed and when they have been completed and dispatched. You can opt in to receive email updates and SMS text messages with updates.

How do I order an apostille?

You can order your apostille online. Choose the apostille service you need for your document Apostille only for government documents and pre-certified documents Solicitor AND apostille for documents that need to be signed by our solicitor Order and pay online We issue an order number Send your document to us with the order number For more information visit our how to order page . Some documents can be emailed to us. We can arrange to verify many academic documents with universities, for an additional charge. UK company documents we can verify or download from Companies House can also be emailed to us. If you need advice please contact us to discuss your documents.

What is an apostille?

The apostille is added to a document to 'legalise' the document for use in another country. If you have a UK document that you need to use outside of the UK, you may have been asked to get the apostille. Adding an apostille to a document enables the overseas authority to check that the signature or seal on your document has been checked by the UK government (the FCDO Legalisation Office). The Legalisation Office keep a register of signatures and seals commonly added to documents. When they have checked a documents seal or signature, they add the apostille certificate to the back of the document. Anyone overseas can then use the FCDO website to verify the apostille number on the document.

Can I get a same day apostille?

In the UK there is NO same day apostille service. The UK government closed the same day counter in January 2024. We complete most apostille orders in around 2 days. Hand delivering documents to the FCDO Legalisation Office to legalise documents as quickly as possible. There is no faster way of getting an apostille.

What is embassy attestation?

Embassy attestation is the process of 'legalising' a UK documents for use in another country. Verifying the authenticity of a UK document so that it can be recognised by foreign authorities. This normally includes solicitor certification, the UK apostille from the FCDO Legalisation Office, and stamps or certificates from the embassy in London. We understand what each country requires when attesting documents.

How long does embassy attestation take?

Embassy attestation typically takes around 10 working days after we receive your documents. This does vary, depending on peak season, the type of document we are attesting, and processing times at the embassy we are submitting documents to. It is important to note, that most of the processing time is due to the embassy. We make every effort to complete all orders quickly, but we do not guarantee completion times. All legalisation times are 'estimates' provided as a guide for customers.

Is the apostille official?

Yes, the Apostille is an official certification provided by a competent authority in a country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. In the UK this is the FCDO Legalisation Office. The primary purpose of an Apostille is to certify the authenticity of the signature on the document, the capacity in which the person signing the document acted, and, where applicable, the identity of the seal or stamp which the document bears. Here are some key points about the official nature of an Apostille: Hague Apostille Convention : The Apostille is a product of the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents, also known as the Apostille Convention. This international treaty simplifies the process of legalising documents so they are recognized in other member countries. International Recognition : An Apostille is recognized by all member countries of the Hague Convention. As of my last update in April 2023, there were over 100 member countries. Standard Format : The Apostille has a standard format prescribed by the convention. It is a square-shaped, stamped certificate, usually attached to the back of the document or as a separate attachment. Competent Authorities : Apostilles are issued by designated authorities in each member country. These authorities vary by country but are typically government offices or departments, such as the Foreign Office, State Department, Ministry of External Affairs, or other designated authorities. In the UK this is the FCDO Legalisation Office. Legitimacy and Legal Use : An Apostille legitimises a document for use in another country. It verifies that the document is genuine and that the signatures and seals on it are authentic. Purpose and Limitations : While an Apostille certifies the authenticity of the document, it does not validate the content of the document itself. The Apostille does not grant any sort of approval or endorsement of the content by the issuing authority. Public Documents : Apostilles are typically used for public documents, such as birth certificates, court orders, marriage certificates, and educational documents, among others. No Need for Further Legalization : Once a document has been apostilled, it does not need any further legalization by the embassy or consulate of the country where the document will be used, as long as that country is a member of the Hague Convention. The official nature of an Apostille makes it a critical tool in international document verification, facilitating smoother legal and business transactions across borders. You can apply directly to the FCDO and wait around 4 weeks for the apostille. Alternatively, you can use an apostille service, like us, for a faster service with free advice and customer support through the application.

Can I order an apostille for more than one document or person?

Yes, you can order more than one apostille for several documents at the same time. You can also place one order for more than one person. You simply order the correct number of apostilles for the number of documents you are sending to us. During the checkout process you can provide us with details of what the documents are and who they are for. When ordering we need the contact details for the person placing the order. It does not have to be anyone named on the documents. Anyone can place an order to process someone else's documents. This makes ordering simple and saves you postal costs sending documents to us in one order.

Yes, your original documents are handled with the utmost care and security. We offer secure return delivery methods, which you can select when ordering, to ensure that your documents are safe at every stage of the attestation process. When sending the document to us, we recommend you use a reputable courier service with tracking and insurance.

What are the next steps after ordering?

After placing your order, we will provide you with an order number and our address. You will also receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to send us your documents. Once we receive them, we’ll begin the attestation process and you can monitor the progress on our website, by accessing your account. Once completed, we’ll securely return your attested documents by the delivery method you have chosen.

FAQs Archive

Can I track my order and get updates?
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How do I order an apostille?
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What is an apostille?
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Can I get a same day apostille?
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What is embassy attestation?
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How long does embassy attestation take?
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Is the apostille official?
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Can I order an apostille for more than one document or person?
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Is my document safe?
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What are the next steps after ordering?
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