In the context of UK e-Apostilles, the important thing to know is that the FCDO requires a qualified electronic signature (QES) or an Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) from a UK-registered solicitor or notary public on the PDF document you submit.
This isn’t just any digital signature; it’s a secure type that meets strict legal and technical standards. It is not a scanned image of your signature.
Here’s the key information:
- Why it matters: The FCDO only accepts e-Apostille applications for documents with this type of signature. It guarantees the authenticity and integrity of the document. The signature proves:
- Who signed it: The signature is uniquely and undeniably linked to the solicitor or notary
- That it hasn’t been tampered with: Any change to the document after signing invalidates the signature.
- What it isn’t:
- A scanned image of a handwritten signature.
- A typed name.
- A simple digital signature created with basic software.
- FCDO-registered solicitors and Notaries: Both can provide an acceptable signature.
- How to ensure you get the correct signature:
- Using qualified electronic signatures, you must use a UK solicitor or notary public registered with the FCDO. They will have the necessary software and credentials.
- The solicitor/notary will handle the technical aspects. You must provide them with the document and your identification and follow their instructions (which may involve a video call and/or sending original documents).
In short, for a UK e-Apostille, the “advanced electronic signature” (or, more accurately, the “qualified electronic signature”) is a secure digital signature applied by a solicitor or notary.
It’s a technical requirement that ensures your document is eligible for the e-Apostille process. You don’t create it yourself; you need a solicitor or notary who offers this service.
