An apostille is an official certificate that confirms a UK document is genuine. It is issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), also known as the Foreign Office.
The apostille bears the FCDO stamp, embossment, and the signature of an authorised officer. It can only be attached to documents that already carry an official signature or seal, such as those signed by a Registrar or Court Official.
If your document does not include an official signature, it will first need to be notarised. A Notary Public verifies the contents, then signs and seals the document, giving it the required official status so that the apostille certificate can be added.
Once notarised, the document must be physically submitted to the FCDO counter for apostille. Our experienced team takes care of this entire process on your behalf, ensuring your documents are legalised quickly, correctly, and with minimal stress.
For fast and reliable apostille services in London, call us on 020 7019 9007 or email notary@inotarypublic.co.uk.
We submit documents daily to the FCDO counter in Milton Keynes, meaning your paperwork is processed the same day it is notarised. Our reliable 2-day service ensures your apostille is issued quickly and without delay.
Documents that commonly require an apostille include: powers of attorney, affidavits and declarations, passports and driving licences, bank statements, educational certificates, degree transcripts, company documents, and more.
Let us take care of the entire process for you — from notarisation to apostille — with speed, accuracy, and professional support.
We keep you informed at every stage of the process and notify you as soon as your documents are ready. Digital scans are emailed directly to you, and we can post the originals to any UK address, courier them abroad, or hold them securely for personal collection.
A common question we receive is: what is the difference between an apostille and legalisation? An apostille is the certificate attached to your document, while legalisation is the process of obtaining that apostille. In some cases, your legalised document may also need further authentication at a consulate or embassy. This is known as consular legalisation, and it is usually required if the destination country is not part of The Hague Convention.
Our team can manage both the apostille and any consular legalisation on your behalf, ensuring your documents are correctly prepared for use abroad without unnecessary delays.
Want to know if your country requires an apostille? Use the dropdown menu below to check requirements for each country.
At iNotary, we know that the legalisation process can seem complicated. Our experienced clerks have extensive knowledge of apostille and consular procedures, and many have personally visited UK embassies and consulates to ensure documents are processed correctly.
If you need guidance or support, we are here to help. Call us on 020 7019 9007 or email us at notary@inotarypublic.co.uk for expert advice on apostille and legalisation services in London.