An apostille – which legalises your document for use abroad – must be issued by the assigned competent authority in the country the document originates from. In the UK, this is the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office or FCDO (formerly FCO).
Because document legalisation must be handled by the government, there is no other body in the UK that issues apostilles.
Obtaining an apostille directly from the FCDO poses a few challenges. In this article, we’ll explain why only the FCDO can issue apostilles, how long it takes, and how you can speed up the process.
Legalisation of Documents in the UK
Britain was one of the first countries to sign up to the Hague Apostille Convention. There are now over 125 countries that accept this standardised form of legalisation for foreign documents.
Unfortunately, it’s not as simple as rocking up to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office with your document. If the document doesn’t carry a wet ink seal from the issuing body, it first needs to be notarised. Also, the FCDO no longer offers a counter service to the general public, so applications must be sent by post or via a registered agent such as a notary public.
Check your document is ready to be apostilled before proceeding to avoid wasting time.
Why Go Through a Notary Public?
You can apply for an apostille on the government portal and send your document by post to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. So why do many people use a notary public to obtain their apostille?
There are a few reasons:
- The FDCO takes up to 15 days to apostille documents sent to them directly on the standard service.
- Only businesses can request the more expensive next-day service from the FCDO. We offer a premium next-day service for the general public or a standard 3-5 day service.
- You may also need notarisation and/or consular legalisation for your document. A notary public can handle the entire process.
- A notary will ensure your document is eligible for an apostille before submitting it to the FCDO, potentially saving you a lot of time.
The FCDO Apostille Service
After the UK signed up to the Hague Apostille Convention of 5th October 1961, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) began issuing apostilles. Over the years, the service has evolved to accommodate digital solutions and growing demand.
In 2020, the FCO merged with the Department for International Development (DFID) to form the FCDO. The aim was to integrate the UK’s diplomatic efforts with its international development strategy and improve efficiency.
However, the department struggles to provide the efficient apostille service many in the UK rely on. At the end of 2023, the government closed the London office, which offered same-day apostilles. They now offer an ‘Urgent’ service only to businesses who can prove they need an expedited turnaround.
How to Get an Apostille
- First, you need to check the requirements of the person or organisation requesting the document. Do they need a paper apostille or e-apostille? If you are sending multiple documents, can they be bundled?
- Next, check whether the document needs to be notarised. Many documents, like certificates and contracts, require this additional verification before they can be apostilled. Reach out to a notary public to arrange this.
- Based on your timeframe and priorities, decide whether to apply for an apostille directly with the FCDO or get a registered notary public to handle the process.
- Submit the document by secure mail, arrange for its return and pay the fee for your selected service.
Notary.co.uk’s Apostille Service
As a notary public registered with the FCDO, we’re able to provide fast and efficient apostille services to businesses and individuals. We take the stress of applications and communications off your shoulders and ensure your documents will be recognised as authentic.
Get an Apostille Now
If you need notarisation or an apostille, we’d love to help. Visit our office in London Victoria or Canary Wharf, call 020 7630 1777, or get in touch via the form below!