Yes. In the UK, copies certified by solicitors or notaries registered with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) are accepted as equivalent to original documents for apostille purposes.
This means the certified copy can usually be apostilled and is recognised internationally under the Hague Apostille Convention.
However, always confirm the specific acceptance rules directly with the requesting authority in the destination country, as individual requirements can vary significantly.
Here’s the key:
- The FCDO recognises the certification of a UK-registered solicitor or notary. Their signature and seal are what allow the copy to be apostilled.
- The apostille confirms the authenticity of the solicitor/notary’s certification, making the copy acceptable in Hague Convention countries.
- It is important to know that some documents require the legalisation of the original.
Important considerations:
- While the FCDO treats a certified copy similarly to an original (for apostille purposes), the receiving country or organisation might have different requirements. Always check with the authority in the destination country to confirm whether they will accept a certified copy, even with an apostille. Some processes (especially legal or immigration-related) may still require original documents.
- Ensure that you only use an FCDO-registered solicitor.
In short: A solicitor/notary-certified copy is usually sufficient for getting a UK apostille. However, acceptance in the receiving country is not guaranteed. Always confirm their specific requirements beforehand.
