The Apostille Service: Legalise Your Documents Quickly and Securely
At Notary Quote, we specialise in providing efficient legalisation services for UK documents through the apostille service. Whether you’re submitting educational certificates abroad, handling business documents, or legalising personal records, our fast and reliable solutions ensure your documents are accepted worldwide.
With years of experience and a customer-first approach, we make navigating the complexities of document legalisation simple and stress-free.
What is the Apostille Service?
The apostille service is an official document authentication process governed by the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. This certification confirms the authenticity of document signatures, stamps, and seals so the document can be recognised legally in other countries.
An apostille is required for documents used abroad, including:
- Personal records like birth, marriage, and death certificates.
- Business papers such as company incorporation documents.
- Educational qualifications like degrees, PGCEs, or NVQs.
Do You Need Legalisation?
When Legalisation is Necessary
Legalisation is typically required when a person asking legalised documents is based in another country. Examples include:
- Applying for overseas jobs.
- Registering marriages or births abroad.
- Conducting international business transactions.
How to Check Requirements
Before applying, always contact the person asking legalised documents to confirm:
- Whether the original or a certified copy is required.
- If additional services, like translations or embassy attestation, are needed.
How Does the Apostille Service Work?
- Check Your Document
- Select Your Service
- Submit Your Application
Ensure your document is eligible for apostille certification. It must have verifiable signatures, stamps, and seals from recognised authorities.
Choose from our flexible options:
- Standard Apostille Service: Completed in 3–5 working days.
- Next-Day Apostille Service: For urgent requirements, we offer a ‘next-day’ registered businesses paper-based solution.
- Restricted Urgent Service: Same-day processing for pre-approved applications.
- Once your document is prepared, send it to us. We will:
- Verify the document signatures, stamps, and seals match official records.
- Process the legalisation with the FCDO.
- Return the legalised document via your preferred delivery method.
Types of Documents That Require Legalisation
Personal Documents
These are often needed for visa applications, marriage registrations, or inheritance claims abroad:
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates.
- Adoption records.
- Deed polls and name change documents.
Business Documents
Companies expanding internationally or dealing with foreign authorities may need to legalise:
- Articles of association.
- Certificates of incorporation.
- HMRC letters and financial records.
Educational Documents
Educational institutions or employers abroad often request legalised academic records, such as:
- Degrees, diplomas, and transcripts.
- PGCE, NVQ, or BTEC certifications.
Get started
Why Choose Notary Quote for Your Apostille Needs?
UK’s Leading Apostille Service
We are proud to be one of the UK’s leading apostille service providers, offering a quick and reliable process. Our experience guarantees seamless legalisation for thousands of documents each year.
Tailored to Your Needs
Whether you need a ‘next-day’ registered businesses paper-based service or help with embassy attestation, we have a solution for every requirement.
Fast and Reliable
We prioritise efficiency, completing most apostille orders in just 1–2 working days. Our ‘restricted urgent’ service registered ensures same-day processing for time-sensitive cases.
Expert Support
If you’re unsure whether your document qualifies, we offer free advice and handle everything, from checking document signatures, stamps, and seals to liaising with the FCDO.
FAQs About The Apostille Service
An apostille certifies that document signatures, stamps, and seals match official UK records. This ensures the document is valid for international use.
You can apply online for a paper-based apostille or an e-Apostille. Notary Quote simplifies this process by handling everything on your behalf.
The cost varies depending on the service.
Our standard service takes 3–5 working days, while our express options provide next-day apostille services or same-day processing.
Yes! In addition to apostilles, we assist with embassy attestation to meet the requirements of countries outside the Hague Apostille Convention.