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Certification

For apostille purposes, certification is when a UK solicitor, notary public, or other authorised professional confirms that a document is genuine—either by certifying the original or verifying that a copy is a true and accurate representation of the original.

The certification must include the certifier’s signature, name, position, and date, and they must be registered with the FCDO so their signature can be verified.

  • Solicitor Certification

    Solicitor certification is when a UK solicitor confirms that a document is genuine—either by certifying the original or verifying that a copy is a true and accurate representation of the original. For apostille purposes, the solicitor must include their signature, name, position, and date on the document, and be registered with the FCDO so their signature can be verified

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  • Notary Certification

    Notary certification is when a UK notary public formally confirms that a document is genuine—either by certifying the original or verifying that a copy is a true and accurate representation of the original. For apostille purposes, the notary must include their signature, name, position, and date on the document, and be registered with the FCDO so their signature can be verified

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  • Documents Need Certification

    Some documents must be certified by a UK solicitor or notary public before they can be legalised with an apostille. This ensures the FCDO can verify the signature and confirm the document’s authenticity

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When you DO need certification or notarisation before an Apostille

Copies of original documents

  • If you’re using a photocopy (e.g. of a passport, utility bill, or bank statement), it usually needs to be certified by a solicitor or notary first.
  • Once certified, it can then be apostilled.

Private documents

  • Documents like power of attorney, affidavits, statutory declarations, or letters typically need to be notarised by a UK notary public before they can be apostilled.

Documents not issued by a UK public authority

  • These will often require notarisation or solicitor certification to confirm their authenticity.
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When you usually DON’T need certification or notarisation

Official UK-issued documents

These documents can often be apostilled directly without any extra steps:

  • Birth, marriage, and death certificates (issued by the General Register Office)
  • Court documents
  • HMRC letters
  • Companies House
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Why Choose 1st Apostille for Your Apostille Needs?

When it comes to legalising your documents for international use, you need a partner that’s fast, reliable, and professional. At 1st Apostille, we stand out as the UK’s premier choice for apostille services, embassy attestation, and certified translations. Here’s why thousands of clients trust us to make their global dreams a reality in 2025.

  • Fast 24-Hour Apostille Services

    Time is precious, and we get it. Our 24-hour apostille service ensures your documents—be it birth certificates, marriage records, degrees, or business contracts—are legalised and ready for use. No delays, no stress, just results.

  • Fully Registered with FCDO

    As an FCDO-registered provider, we adhere to the highest standards set by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Your documents are processed with precision, ensuring they’re recognised worldwide without question.

  • Comprehensive Embassy Attestation

    Planning to work or marry in non-Hague countries like the UAE, Qatar, or Vietnam? Our embassy attestation services cover every step—from solicitor certification to FCDO apostille and embassy stamping. We handle the complexities, so you don’t have to.

  • Expert Document Translation

    Language barriers? Not with us. Our certified translation services ensure your documents meet the linguistic requirements of your destination country, whether it’s Spanish for a wedding in Mexico or Arabic for a job in Dubai.

  • Customer-First Approach

    We’re more than a service—we’re your partner. With transparent pricing, real-time digital tracking, and eco-friendly e-apostille options, we make the process seamless. Our experienced team stays updated on 2025 regulations, including post-Brexit changes, to keep your plans on track.

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Need some help?

We're happy to answer your questions.

We have a team of trained legalisation experts on hand to guide you through the apostille process. Whether you're unsure about how to get started, need clarification on pricing, or want to confirm which documents require legalisation, we're here to help.

Common questions we answer:

  • How do I place an order?
  • How much does an apostille cost?
  • Which documents need legalising for my destination country?
  • How long does the process take?
  • What's the difference between apostille and embassy legalisation?
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