Visa applications - whether for work, residency, family sponsorship or study abroad - almost always require identity documents to be submitted in an officially authenticated format. Which documents need apostilling, and what preparation each one requires, depends on the document type. Getting the wrong format or missing a certification step is one of the most common reasons visa document submissions are delayed or rejected.
Passport
An apostilled passport copy is sometimes required by visa processes. Because an apostille is a physical paper certificate attached to the back of the document, the original passport cannot be submitted. A UK solicitor or Notary Public must inspect the original passport, produce a certified copy, and apply their wet-ink signature and stamp. That certified copy is what the FCDO apostilles.
Birth certificate
A birth certificate issued by the GRO, a local register office, the National Records of Scotland or GRONI can go directly to the FCDO for apostille. It carries the registrar's wet-ink signature or seal, which the FCDO authenticates. A solicitor-certified copy is not accepted as a substitute - only the original or an officially issued certified copy from the relevant registry.
Marriage or civil partnership certificate
A civil marriage or civil partnership certificate issued by an official UK registry goes directly to the FCDO. A religious marriage certificate must be certified by a solicitor or Notary Public first. Confirm with the visa office whether a marriage certificate is required — some visa categories do not request it.
Criminal record certificate
Most visa processes require a criminal record check. An ACRO Police Certificate bearing a wet-ink signature from an authorised official goes directly to the FCDO. A DBS certificate must always be certified by a solicitor or Notary Public first. An AccessNI certificate must also be certified first. Check which type of criminal record certificate the visa office requires.
Driving licence
Where a visa process requires a driving licence - for employment-related visas in particular - the original plastic photocard cannot be apostilled. A solicitor or Notary Public must produce a certified copy, which is then submitted to the FCDO.
For non-Hague destinations
For Hague Convention member countries, the apostille is the final step. For countries outside the Convention embassy attestation is also required after the apostille. Call our team on +44 (0) 204 630 7500 to confirm the full document list for your specific visa application and manage the process.