Apostille for UK death certificate
When someone dies, their death will need to be officially registered and a death certificate obtained. Once you have registered the death, you will be given all the necessary paperwork required to continue to arrange the funeral. To get apostille for UK death certificate, you’ll need the original certificate (or a certified copy of the death certificate from the General Register Office) and submit it to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) for certificate authentication, which involves attaching an apostille stamp.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official stamp or certificate issued by the FCDO, attesting to the authenticity of a public document (like a death certificate) for use in another country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. It’s a form of legalization, ensuring that documents are recognized as valid in other countries.
Why do you need an apostille?
- International Recognition: An apostille ensures that your UK death certificate is recognized as valid in other countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention.
- Legal Requirements: Foreign authorities may require an apostilled death certificate for various purposes, such as settling property, legal proceedings, or personal matters.
- Proof of Authenticity: The apostille verifies the authenticity of the document’s signature, seal, and issuing authority, ensuring its validity in the receiving country.
How do you obtain an Apostille for UK Death Certificate?
- Obtain the Original Certificate: You’ll need the original death certificate issued by a Register Office or the General Register Office (as a Certified Copy).
- Submit to the FCDO:
- You can either send the original certificate by post or submit it in person if you are a registered business.
- For an e-Apostille, you must upload documents as PDF files that a UK notary or solicitor has electronically signed.
- You can apply with Helpline Group for both paper-based and e-Apostilles.
- FCO Legalisation: If valid, the FCDO will review the certificate and attach an apostille stamp or certificate.
- Receive the Apostilled Certificate: The legalized certificate, with the apostille attached, will be returned to you.
- Note: You cannot apostille a photocopy, even if it has been certified by a solicitor.
It can be easier to use a dedicated apostille service like the one offered by our team at Helpline Group, who can handle the entire process for you as efficiently as possible.
Documents to register the death certificate (any or all may be applicable)
- Birth Certificate
- Council Tax bill
- Driving License
- Passport
- Marriage/Civil Partnership Certificate, if applicable
- NHS Medical Card
- Proof of address
Who can register a death?
- A relative of the deceased should register the death.
- If a relative cannot register the death, it can be registered by one of the following:
- Someone who was present at the time of death or who found the body
- An administrator from the hospital (if the person died in the hospital)
- The person who is arranging the funeral (but not a funeral director)
- The occupier of the premises where the death occurred, if they knew of the death
Important Considerations:
- Original Certificate Required: The apostille can only be placed on an original death certificate or a certified copy from the General Register Office.
- FCDO Fees: There are fees associated with the FCDO legalisation process.
- Overseas Use: Apostilles are typically required when using a UK death certificate in a country member of the Hague Convention.
- Notarization: Notarization is a separate process where a notary public confirms the authenticity of a document. An apostille is then needed to authenticate the notarized document for use overseas.
To use a UK death certificate abroad in a country that recognizes the Hague Convention, you’ll need an apostille, a stamp verifying the document’s authenticity, issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
How does the Helpline Group in the UK help with apostilling death certificates?
Helpline Group, backed by a strong and experienced team of 300+ professionals, brings over 25 years of expertise in getting documents apostilled, including apostille services, apostille of UK death certificates, and documents like birth and marriage certificates.
The members of the Helpline Group possess in-depth knowledge of the procedures, latest rules, and regulations, offering clients a seamless and hassle-free experience.
Helpline Group facilitates death records and apostille documents in the UK. With a global presence and a tailored approach, we ensure that the apostille process of your death certificates is handled with precision and professionalism, making us your reliable ally.