When submitting documents for legalisation in the UK, strict format and certification rules apply. The UK’s Legalisation Office (FCDO) in Milton Keynes will only accept certain document types, prepared in specific ways, and often with a wet ink signature or embossed seal.
Below is a categorised guide to acceptable document formats, certification requirements, and special conditions.
1. Professional & Membership Documents
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ACCA Membership Certificate – Original, certified by a UK solicitor/notary. Photocopies not accepted. Qualification certificates may be certified copies or PDF printouts.
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Professional Qualification Certificates – Original or certified copy; can be certified by solicitor, notary, or British Council. Must be regulated or from a recognised body.
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TEFL/TESOL Documents – Original or certified copy by solicitor/notary; must be regulated or recognised.
2. Criminal Record & Police Checks
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Access NI Document – Original, certified by solicitor/notary.
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ACRO Police Certificate – Original with wet ink signature/date from issuing authority.
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Disclosure Scotland Document – Original with wet ink signature/date from issuing authority.
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DBS Document – Original, certified by solicitor/notary.
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Criminal Records Check – Original with wet ink signature/date from issuing authority; private company checks not accepted.
3. Civil Status & Vital Records
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Birth, Death, Marriage Certificates – Original or GRO/NRS/GRONI certified copy with wet ink signature/seal/date. No photocopies or drafts.
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Civil Partnership Certificates – Original or GRO-certified copy; wet ink/embossed seal/date required.
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Certificate of No Impediment – Original only; photocopies not accepted.
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Adoption Documents – Original, court-certified, or solicitor-certified copy.
4. Court & Legal Documents
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Affidavits, Statutory Declarations – Original or certified copy by solicitor/notary.
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Court Orders, Decrees, Grants of Probate – Original stamped/sealed by court or certified by solicitor/notary. Printed seals not accepted.
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Last Will & Testament – Original witnessed in UK by solicitor/notary, or court-certified copy.
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Power of Attorney – Original or certified copy; must be certified by UK solicitor/notary.
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Lasting Power of Attorney – Original with embossed validation “VALIDATED-OPG” on every page or solicitor-certified copy.
5. Corporate & Commercial Documents
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Articles of Association, Certificate of Incorporation, Memorandum – Original signed/sealed by Companies House or solicitor-certified copy.
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Companies House Documents – Original with wet ink/embossed seal or certified copy.
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Export & Trade Certificates – Original signed by issuing authority or Chamber of Commerce; solicitor certification if unsigned.
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Certificates of Freesale – Must state “Signature valid” or will be rejected.
6. Educational & Academic Records
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Degree Certificates & Transcripts – Original or certified copy by solicitor/notary/British Council.
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Diplomas & Educational Certificates – Original or certified copy by solicitor/notary/British Council. Must be regulated or from a recognised body.
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School Documents – Original or certified copy by solicitor/notary.
7. Medical & Veterinary Documents
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Doctor’s Letters, Medical Reports – Original with wet ink signature/seal/date from regulated practitioner, or solicitor-certified copy.
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Medical Test Results – Same rules as medical reports; if external lab results, must confirm patient’s name.
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Fit Notes – Original with wet ink signature/seal/date or certified copy.
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Pet Export/Veterinary Certificates – Signed by vet registered with DEFRA or RCVS; certified if copy.
8. Financial & Utility Documents
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Bank Statements – Original or certified copy by solicitor/notary. All pages required.
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Utility Bills – Original or certified copy by solicitor/notary.
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HMRC Documents – Original with wet ink signature/seal/date or solicitor-certified copy.
9. Government & Official Documents
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Passports – Certified copy by solicitor/notary; original passports cannot be legalised.
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Driving Licence – Certified copy only; originals not accepted.
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Home Office Documents – Original or solicitor-certified copy.
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National Archives Documents – Original or solicitor-certified copy.
10. Special Categories
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Religious Certificates – Original or solicitor-certified copy.
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Baptismal Certificates – Original or certified copy.
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Letters of Invitation/Employment/Enrolment – Original or solicitor-certified copy.
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Translations – Must be done in UK and certified by UK solicitor/notary.
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UK Crown Dependency/Overseas Territory Documents – Must be legalised by issuing authority; Apostille may remove need for further legalisation.
Certification Requirements
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Certification must be done by a UK practising solicitor or notary public.
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Must have valid practising certificate, sign in UK, use personal signature, print name/address, date certification, and include seal if applicable.
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Wet ink signatures required; scanned or photocopied signatures are not accepted.
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Some professionals (accountants, bank officials, teachers, etc.) cannot certify for legalisation.
Fast or Next-Day Legalisation
If you want fast or next day legalisation without delays i.e. within 24 hours, visit www.1stapostille.co.uk and order now. Based just 10 minutes from the UK’s Legalisation Office (FCDO) in Milton Keynes, we are practically neighbours — meaning our team can handle urgent requests quickly and professionally.