What is an e-Apostille?
An e-Apostille is a secure, digital, and legally recognised alternative to a traditional paper Apostille. Issued as a PDF by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), it authenticates UK documents for international use—often within just 24 hours.
The e-Apostille was introduced to streamline the document legalisation process, removing the need for physical documents to be posted back and forth. This digital approach saves time, reduces costs, and provides a more secure method of authentication.
How Does the e-Apostille Process Work?
The e-Apostille process involves several key steps:
- Document Submission: You submit your document electronically via email or secure upload.
- Electronic Certification: A qualified solicitor or notary certifies the document electronically.
- FCDO Processing: The certified document is submitted to the FCDO for e-Apostille attachment.
- Digital Delivery: You receive a digitally signed PDF with the official e-Apostille attached.
Benefits of e-Apostilles
- Speed: Often completed within 24 hours, compared to days or weeks for paper apostilles.
- Cost-Effective: No courier fees or postal costs—everything is handled digitally.
- Security: Digital signatures provide enhanced security and can be verified online.
- Convenience: No need to post original documents—submit and receive everything electronically.
Which Documents Can Be e-Apostilled?
Many documents can be e-Apostilled once they have been electronically notarised:
- Degree certificates from UK universities
- Academic transcripts and school reports
- Companies House documents
- Powers of attorney
- Court documents
- Digital HMRC documents
Important Note
Some documents still require traditional paper apostilles, including birth, marriage, and death certificates from the GRO, DBS certificates, and ACRO police certificates. Always verify acceptance with the recipient before proceeding.
Verifying an e-Apostille
One of the key advantages of e-Apostilles is that recipients can verify their authenticity online. Each e-Apostille includes a secure link to the FCDO's verification system, allowing anyone to confirm that the digital signature and apostille are genuine.
Getting Started
If you need to authenticate a UK document for international use, an e-Apostille could be the perfect solution. Contact us today for a free consultation—we'll help you determine whether your document is eligible for an e-Apostille and guide you through the entire process.
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