What documents need to be attested?

Any UK document may require attestation for use in another country. Common documents include: Educational certificates - degrees, PhDs, diplomas, awards Teaching certificates - PGCE, QTS, TEFL Professional membership certificates - Accounting, Architecture etc. Marriage certificates Birth certificates Criminal record checks - ACRO, DBS Commercial documents - contracts, business agreements, Companies House certificates This is just a small sample of documents we process. It is not an exhaustive list.

Why is embassy attestation required?

Embassy attestation is required to prove that your documents are official and/or genuine UK documents. Attesting documents with a country's embassy will mean they are valid in the foreign country where you plan to use them. For instance, a country may request that documents for purposes like employment, education, or business transactions are correctly attested to ensure their authenticity.

Why use the apostille service?

The short answer The main reason to use our apostille service is speed! The government legalisation office take several weeks to issue the apostille. We complete most orders in just a few days. The long answer Convenience and Ease of Use : The Apostille service provides a more user-friendly experience. We guide you through the complexities of the legalisation process, which can be particularly helpful if you are not familiar with the procedures or legal requirements. Time-Saving : The process of obtaining an apostille through the FCDO can be time-consuming, especially for those who are not well-versed in the procedure. Our apostille service streamlines this process, hand processing your document to save you weeks in the legalisation process. Expertise and Experience : We specialise in document legalisation and are well-versed in the latest requirements and procedures. We have experienced staff who can foresee and resolve potential issues that might arise during the legalisation process. Additional Services : We offer additional services such as document translation, solicitor certification, and courier services. This can be extremely helpful if you require a full suite of services to prepare your documents for international use. Handling of Complex Cases : If your documents are unusual or the requirements for legalisation are complex, our apostille service can provide the necessary expertise to handle such cases effectively. Reduced Risk of Rejection : We help reduce the risk of your documents being rejected due to errors or non-compliance with specific legalisation requirements. Convenient for Overseas Applicants : If you are not currently residing in the UK, dealing directly with the FCDO can be challenging. Our apostille services can act as a bridge, handling the process on your behalf. Customer Support : We provide dedicated customer support to answer questions and provide updates on the status of your document legalisation. Reliability : Reputable apostille services, like 1Apostille are reliable and ensure that your documents are processed correctly and returned safely.

Does a document have to be notarised to be Apostilled?

No, not all documents need to be notarised or certified by a solicitor before the apostille can be added. For a detailed list of documents that can have the apostille, please visit the apostille document page. There are a lot of public documents that have the apostille issued without any additional notarisation or solicitor certification. When a document contains a recognised official signature, stamp or seal, further notarisation/certification by a solicitor is not required and should not be added. Common documents that DO NOT need notarising/certifying include - Birth Certificate Marriage Certificate Death certificates Adoption Certificates Certificate of No Impediment to Marriage Decree Absolute or Decree Nisi with 'wet ink' court stamps Court documents & Probates with 'wet ink' court stamps Certificates of Good Standing Companies House Registrar signed documents HM Revenue and Customs letters signed by HMRC officer Certificate of Residence documents signed by HMRC officer ACPO, ACRO, NPCC, Police letters This list is not exhaustive! For free advice do not hesitate to contact us .

Attesting a Power of Attorney

Your power of attorney or affidavit must first be signed ‘in the presence’ of a UK notary public or a solicitor. We are unable to help with this step. The solicitor or notary will ‘witness’ you sign the document. This should be done ‘in person’ at a solicitor’s or notary’s office. Please ensure the notary public or solicitor has confirmed their signature to the FCDO. When you have the document signed and witnessed, we can provide the apostille and embassy attestation.

Do I need an appointment for notarisation?

Yes, notarisation is not a walk-in service as the notary public will have other appointments or work to complete. You will need to book an appointment and bring valid ID and any relevant documents. if you are using our notary service, the notary public will contact you to arrange an online appointment.

Is notarisation the same as legalisation or apostille?

No. Notarisation is the first step of certifying or witnessing a document. Legalisation (apostille or embassy attestation) may be required afterwards to confirm the notary’s authority for use abroad. if your document is being presented outside of the UK, it will most likely need an apostille after the notarisation has been done.

Can a notary prepare legal documents for me?

Some notaries can draft or advise on documents, particularly if they are also qualified solicitors. However, in most cases you should bring the document ready to be notarised. If a notary or solicitor needs to prepare documents for you, they will charge more fees.

How long does the notarisation process take?

The appointment itself usually takes 15-30 minutes, but more time may be needed for complex documents or where documents also need to be prepared by the notary. It can save time if you prepare the documents in advance of the appointment (e.g. statutory declarations, affidavits).

Do notarised documents also need an apostille?

Often, yes. If the document is being sent outside of the UK to a country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, the notarised document will usually need to be apostilled by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), or you can use an apostille service, like us, to expedite the process.

FAQs Archive

What documents need to be attested?
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Why is embassy attestation required?
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Why use the apostille service?
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Does a document have to be notarised to be Apostilled?
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Attesting a Power of Attorney
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Do I need an appointment for notarisation?
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Is notarisation the same as legalisation or apostille?
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Can a notary prepare legal documents for me?
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How long does the notarisation process take?
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Do notarised documents also need an apostille?
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