{"id":52188,"date":"2023-12-01T04:32:27","date_gmt":"2023-12-01T03:32:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/?p=52188"},"modified":"2023-12-14T14:19:51","modified_gmt":"2023-12-14T13:19:51","slug":"how-to-apostille-a-document-in-the-uk","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/blog\/how-to-apostille-a-document-in-the-uk\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Apostille a Document in the UK"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In our previous article, we outlined information on how to apostille a document in Canada.<\/p>\n<p>In this post, we\u2019ll hop across the Atlantic Ocean to explore what is needed to <strong>apostille a document in the UK<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Have you been gathering information on <strong>how to apostille in the UK?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>If so, keep reading to find out what else you&#8217;ll need for this process.<\/p>\n<p>If you need to <strong>Apostille a birth certificate<\/strong> for your passport application, we&#8217;ll go over what steps to take.<\/p>\n<p>Perhaps you require an Apostille for your university transcript? Our guide helps walk you through it.<\/p>\n<p>Firstly, let\u2019s begin with a quick refresh!<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What Is an Apostille?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Apostilles are certificates that authenticate documents for use abroad.<\/p>\n<p>In countries that aren\u2019t members of the <strong>Hague Convention<\/strong>, the process may be referred to as legalization or authentication.<\/p>\n<p>Occasionally, the term legalization is interchangeable with authentication.<\/p>\n<p>Both terms refer to the process by which documents can be legally recognized as authentic in other countries.<\/p>\n<p>However, in the UK specifically, the terms <strong>legalization<\/strong> and <strong>apostille<\/strong> are used interchangeably.<\/p>\n<p>Legalization is simply the process by which a document receives an attached Apostille!<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Which Documents Can You Apostille in the UK?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Looking to apostille your UK degree? Or perhaps a birth certificate?<\/p>\n<p>A <strong>variety of documents<\/strong> might require an Apostille for use abroad!<\/p>\n<p>Documents that might receive an apostille in England include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Passports<\/li>\n<li>Driving licenses<\/li>\n<li>Power of attorney documents<\/li>\n<li>Qualification certificates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For example, if you\u2019re in the process of applying for your passport in the UK, your birth certificate will require an Apostille stamp.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Where in the UK Can You Get an Apostille?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>To receive an Apostille in the UK, the\u00a0<strong>UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office<\/strong> must issue it.<\/p>\n<p>The process begins with <strong>submitting documents<\/strong> to the Legalization Office either online or through the post.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, some people may choose to utilize a third-party vendor to complete the process.<\/p>\n<p>We\u2019ll go over all three options below on how to apostille a document in the UK.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>How to Apostille a Document in the UK<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The first step of the process will be to confirm certain items with the entity requesting the apostille, e.g.:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Do they require the original documents?<\/li>\n<li>Will they need certified copies?<\/li>\n<li>Do the documents need a notary or solicitor&#8217;s signature?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>From there, you will want to confirm whether the entity requires a <strong>paper-based<\/strong> or an<strong> e-Apostille<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3>Apostille Types<\/h3>\n<p>There are two apostille types: electronic and paper based.<\/p>\n<p>The electronic form of an Apostille is called an e-Apostille.<\/p>\n<p>However, an e-Apostille is not an option for certain documents such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Birth certificates<\/li>\n<li>Marriage certificates<\/li>\n<li>Adoption certificates<\/li>\n<li>Fingerprint certificates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Both filing types will typically cost <strong>\u00a330 per apostille<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Keep in mind, if you utilize the standard service, you may have to pay additional costs to have your documents returned to you.<\/p>\n<p>Per the UK government website, the following countries <strong>do not allow<\/strong> for the return of legalized documents, i.e.:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Russia<\/li>\n<li>Ukraine<\/li>\n<li>Belarus<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Apostille at the United Kingdom \u2013 Competent Authorities<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-41464 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/describing-what-you-wear-in-Spanish-suit.jpg\" alt=\"legalisation office uk\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Various legalization services exist in the UK to help with legalizing UK documents for use abroad.<\/p>\n<p>However, for issuing Apostilles, the primary authority in the UK is the <strong>UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>This is the competent authority that will complete the apostille for you.<\/p>\n<p>The application process will include the <strong>documents you need to legalize<\/strong> and a<strong> payment for associated fees<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>For those who wish to use third-party legalization services, the process is straightforward.<\/p>\n<p>The Office provides a list of next-day providers who complete the process for you.<\/p>\n<p>The list of providers can be found online at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/legalisation-next-day-service-providers\/list-of-next-day-legalisation-service-providers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">official website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>One reason for using a third-party provider may relate to processing times.<\/p>\n<p>Some third-party providers provide next-day legalization services.<\/p>\n<p>This is helpful for those who require an urgent Apostille stamp on their document.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, some people may want to ensure documents receive the appropriate signatures from solicitors where necessary.<\/p>\n<p>They will ensure efficient and correct processing of documents.<\/p>\n<p>Third-party providers take care of this, saving you time and stress.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Steps and Timeline to Apostille a Document in <\/strong><strong>Great Britain<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The steps for legalizing your document are fairly simple.<\/p>\n<p>For <strong>paper-based services<\/strong>, you will send your signed documents by either courier or through the post.<\/p>\n<p>For example, if you need to apostille your academic transcript, you first want to confirm the document\u2019s format you will be submitting. E.g.:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Original certificate<\/li>\n<li>Certificate copy<\/li>\n<li>Printout of an electronic certificate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>From there, you will want to confirm your transcript has been certified by a UK solicitor or notary public.<\/p>\n<p>Next, simply fill in your <a href=\"https:\/\/www.get-document-legalised.service.gov.uk\/your-basic-details\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">basic information<\/a> such as name and address on the government website.<\/p>\n<p>Any paper-based documents will be returned to you at the address specified on your application.<\/p>\n<p>You will receive documents returned to you with the appropriate paper Apostilles.<\/p>\n<p>Upon receipt of your Apostilled documents, you will then <strong>send your documentation<\/strong> to the appropriate requesting authority.<\/p>\n<p>This can be done via courier or through the post.<\/p>\n<p>For <strong>electronic apostille services<\/strong>, the appropriate documents will be uploaded electronically in PDF format.<\/p>\n<p>In order to submit a document electronically, you must <a href=\"https:\/\/www.get-document-legalised.service.gov.uk\/api\/user\/sign-in?next=continueEApp&#038;from=start\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">create an account<\/a> on the UK Foreign &#038; Commonwealth Office website.<\/p>\n<p>Upon completion, you will be able to download the legalized documents.<\/p>\n<p>You can share these versions by email with the appropriate requesting authority.<\/p>\n<p>To confirm whether the document you want to have Apostilled is eligible for an e-Apostille, you can check online.<\/p>\n<p>The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office provides an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.get-document-legalised.service.gov.uk\/eligibility\/check-documents-are-eligible\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">extensive list<\/a> you can refer to.<\/p>\n<p>Always keep in mind to confirm with your intended recipient whether or not they will accept digital downloads completed through the e-Apostille process.<\/p>\n<p>If you will be legalizing more than one document, you will want to confirm whether the intended recipient will require separate electronic apostilles for each document.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Apostille UK: Timeline<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>After you submit the application for processing, the general timeline for approval depends on the document and method of filing.<\/p>\n<p>For standard, paper-based filings, the time frame may take up to 5 business days.<\/p>\n<p>An electronic Apostille may take up to 2 business days.<\/p>\n<p>If using a registered legalization service, the filing of documents can be completed day-of in central London.<\/p>\n<p>In this situation, the time frames for filing take place between 9am to 12:30pm.<\/p>\n<p>However, keep in mind time frames vary. Some documents may need additional verification.<\/p>\n<p>If you require an urgent apostille, it may be helpful to utilize a third-party provider from the list above.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Reminders for a British Apostille<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-41478 size-large\" src=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/the-time-in-spanish-1024x682.jpg\" alt=\"apostille England\" width=\"798\" height=\"531\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Lastly, some quick reminders before you begin the process for a British apostille!<\/p>\n<p>Check whether the authority requesting your documents requires a paper or electronic apostille.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, confirm whether they will need <strong>one apostille for a number of documents.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Or, whether each document requires <strong>separate apostilles<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, have your fees ready for payment.<\/p>\n<p>When applying for a paper-based apostille, the government website provides you with the <strong>appropriate options<\/strong> for document submission.<\/p>\n<p>From there, send your documents to the<strong> legalisation office UK<\/strong> and you\u2019re ready to go!<\/p>\n<p>If the competent authority finds that your document does not receive legalization, you will receive a refund on your submission fees.<\/p>\n<p>If you have the Apostille date and number, you can complete a verification of an Apostille certificate online.<\/p>\n<p>Simply have your recipient check through the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/verify-apostille\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Legalization Office website<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Getting Documents Apostilled UK<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>No need to go searching for \u2018Apostille online UK\u2019 or \u2018Apostille gov UK\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.uk\/get-document-legalised\/get-help-with-your-application\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">online website<\/a> for the Legalization Office makes it straightforward for anyone looking to <strong>apostille a document in the UK<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>However, if you have any lingering questions, we hope you can refer to this guide when starting your Apostille process.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re ready to submit a document for an Apostille, you can also <a href=\"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/#form\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">reach out<\/a> to our team at <strong>Go! Go! Espa\u00f1a<\/strong> for additional help.<\/p>\n<p>We know the ins and outs of document processing for life abroad.<\/p>\n<p>Above all, we\u2019re here to help make sure the process for receiving your British Apostille is stress free!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In our previous article, we outlined information on how to apostille a document in Canada. In this post, we\u2019ll hop across the Atlantic Ocean to explore what is needed to apostille a document in the UK. Have you been gathering information on how to apostille in the UK? If so, keep reading to find out [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":127,"featured_media":52192,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2054],"tags":[1373,1374,1375,1378],"class_list":["post-52188","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-study-in-spain","tag-apostille-a-document","tag-apostille-a-document-in-the-uk","tag-apostille-great-britain","tag-apostille-uk"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52188","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/127"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52188"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52188\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":52197,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52188\/revisions\/52197"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52192"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52188"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=52188"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gogoespana.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=52188"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}