What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate verifying the genuineness of documents for international use. It confirms the legitimacy of signatures and seals on public records. The apostille services like apostille for Birth, marriage, death certificate authentication process follows the framework established by the Hague Apostille Convention of January 1961, effective from January 1965.
The United Kingdom joined the Hague Convention in October 1961. Countries not part of the Hague Convention do not recognize the electronically used Hague Apostille. The apostilles authenticate public documents, simplifying the process of international document certification.
The apostille stamp applied on the back of the requested document confirms the validity of a document, signature, stamp, or seal. An apostille is issued by the competent authority in the country where the document was issued. An apostille certificate can be issued on any UK document in the UK.
Need for apostilling documents.
The apostilization of documents authenticates public documents, simplifying the process of international document certification and preventing the need to further legalize your documents in countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention.
The process has made it easy for individuals and businesses to meet international legal requirements. It serves as a universally recognized seal of approval, making sure that a document issued in one country is accepted in another country without further authentication.
Legalizing documents through Apostille services is advantageous in cases requiring certificate authentication from the origin and destination states.
Apostille Services
For getting documents apostilled, UK, you may:
- Submit the UK apostille documents for the FCO apostille to the Legalisation Office of the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) in the UK. The Legalisation Office will attach an apostille on the back of the requested document confirming the validity of a document, signature, stamp, or seal.
- For a country not party to the Hague Convention, the document must be attested by its embassy in London, and approved by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country you’re sending to.
The documents may be submitted for traditional apostilling by post or courier or through an authorized company that uses its expertise to facilitate the procedure.
How do you choose the UK apostille services for Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates?
An apostille for Birth, marriage, death certificate is an internationally recognized certification that authenticates the document and ensures its validity in foreign jurisdictions. It verifies the authenticity of the signature on the document and is accepted in all Hague Convention Participating countries. The apostille is provided by the designated authority in the country of origin for the document.
Apostille birth certificate, you need to:
1. Obtain a Certified Copy of the Birth Certificate
If you don’t already have a certified copy, you need to request one from the General Register Office or the local register office where the birth was recorded.
- Visit the GRO in person or contact the local register office to apply.
- Provide details like full name, date of birth, place of birth, and parents’ names.
- Pay the required fee and collect the document when ready.
2. Prepare the Document for Apostille
Ensure the birth certificate is an official certified copy, as only these are eligible for apostille certification.
3. Submit the Document to the UK Legalisation Office
The UK Legalisation Office (part of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – FCDO) is responsible for issuing apostilles.
- Visit the FCO Legalisation Office in person.
- Complete an apostille request form (available at the office).
- Provide valid identification if required.
- Pay the apostille fee (usually per document).
- Submit the document for processing.
4. Collect or Receive the Apostilled Document
- The Legalisation Office will verify and attach the apostille certificate to your birth certificate.
- You can either collect it in person or request postal delivery, depending on the service options available.
Apostille Services for marriage certificate in the UK
If you plan to use your apostille marriage certificate for official purposes abroad, be aware that some authorities might request additional documents related to your current marital status, even if you’re still married.
This could include documentation of your spouse’s evidence that your marriage is valid for the specific purpose. To get a marriage certificate apostille in the UK, you can follow these steps:-
- Complete the online application form on the official Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) website or hire an FCDO registered apostille agency.
- Send a scanned copy of the original marriage certificate to the FCO or the agency.
- The apostilled document will be returned to you by the FCO or the agency.
Apostille of Death Certificate in the UK
The death certificate authentication will verify the death of a person to the requesting authority in another country. Having a verified document enables you to deal with a person’s bank accounts that are located outside of your own country.
In some instances, you may need to register a person overseas. For example, if a person was not born in the UK or has held dual citizenship you may have to register the death of a foreign citizen with overseas authorities.
Helpline Group in the UK
Helpline Group in the UK, a pioneer in providing apostille services, helps applicants to get apostille for UK death certificate, marriage certificate, birth certificates in the UK hassle-free.
With over 25 years of experience, 300+ experts, and a global presence, we assure you of expeditious legalization of your documents and incredibly reliable and fast apostille services in the UK.