Introduction
The process of adding an apostille to a document is an essential step when dealing with international transactions, visas, academic admissions, or legal matters abroad. An apostille verifies the authenticity of a UK document so it is accepted in other countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
However, getting documents legalised by the UK Legalisation Office (FCDO) is not just a matter of sending them in — they must meet strict format, certification, and submission rules. There’s also an important decision: should you legalise each document individually, or bundle them into a set?
1. Acceptable Formats for UK Legalisation
Different documents have different rules. Some must be originals, others can be certified copies.
Examples:
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Birth, Marriage, Death Certificates: Must be original or certified copy from GRO, local registry, NRS, or GRONI. No photocopies or drafts.
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Academic Certificates: Originals or solicitor-certified copies accepted. British Council certification possible for originals.
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Company Documents: Signed/sealed by Companies House or certified by a solicitor/notary.
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Court Documents: Must have a wet ink stamp/seal; printed seals are rejected.
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Passports & Driving Licences: Only certified copies can be legalised.
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Medical Reports: Must be signed by a registered practitioner and certified.
2. Certification Requirements
If a UK solicitor or notary certifies your document, they must:
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Hold a valid practising certificate.
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Sign with an original wet ink signature in the UK.
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Include full name, address, date, and seal (if applicable).
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Clearly state the action taken (“certified a true copy of the original”).
Not Accepted: Certification by accountants, bank staff, teachers, post office workers, paralegals, or trainees.
3. The Multiple Pages Rule
If a document or certification refers to multiple pages, all pages must be included. Missing pages will result in rejection.
4. Apostille for Individual Documents
When you apostille individual documents, each one is certified separately:
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Best For: Visa applications, embassy submissions, and situations where separate authentication is required.
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Pros: Universally accepted.
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Cons: More costly and time-consuming if you have many documents.
5. Apostille for a Set of Documents
Instead of separate apostilles, you can bundle multiple related documents together and apply one apostille to the set.
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Best For: Academic records (degree + transcript), company papers, payroll records, some personal documents.
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Pros: Saves time and money.
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Cons: Not accepted everywhere (UAE and Qatar embassies require separate apostilles). Only documents for one person or company can be bundled.
How a Set is Prepared
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Verification – Solicitor checks originals/copies for authenticity.
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Cover Sheet – Lists all included documents; signed and dated.
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Binding – Hole-punched and bound with legal fasteners or seals.
6. Key Considerations Before Choosing
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Check Destination Rules: Some authorities demand individual apostilles.
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Document Type: Some require originals, others can be certified copies.
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Binding: Removing a page invalidates the set certification.
7. Costs & Processing Times
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Individual Apostille: £79 each plus solicitor fees.
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Set of Documents: £130 for the bundle
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Processing: 1–2 working days plus delivery.
Conclusion
Choosing between individual apostilles and a set depends on:
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The number of documents
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The purpose of legalisation
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The rules of the receiving country or organisation
When in doubt, confirm with the requesting party before submitting documents.
Fast Service Option:
However, if you want fast or next-day legalisation without delays—within 24 hours—visit www.1stapostille.co.uk and order now. Based near the UK’s Legalisation Office FCDO in Milton Keynes (just 10 minutes away), our team can handle urgent apostilles quickly and professionally.