Yes, some UK documents can get an apostille without needing notarisation or solicitor certification, but it hinges on the document type.
The key rule is this: if the document was issued by a recognised UK public official (like a registrar at the General Register Office or an official at ACRO), and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) already has that official’s signature or seal registered on their database, then notarisation is usually not required.
The FCDO can directly verify the signature/seal and issue the apostille.
When notarisation is not required:
The key factor is whether the document already bears the signature, seal, or stamp of a recognised UK public official whose credentials the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) can directly verify from their database.
If the FCDO recognises the official signature/seal, notarisation isn’t typically needed.
Common examples include:
- UK birth, marriage, and death certificates: official certificates issued by the General Register Office (GRO) or local registrars. (See: apostille for birth certificates/apostille for marriage certificates/apostille for death certificates)
- ACRO police certificates: original certificates issued by ACRO. (see: ACRO police certificate apostille)
- Certificates of no Impediment (CNI): original certificates issued by the local registrars. (see: CNI apostille)
- UK court documents: bearing an original court seal or stamp.
- Certain HMRC documents: with recognised official signatures/stamps.
- Documents issued by Companies House: official extracts and certificates. (see: apostilles for certificate of good standing)
- Letters of No Trace
We can usually obtain the apostille directly for you for these types of documents, often using our fast apostille service.
However, the FCDO cannot directly verify the signature or authenticity for many other documents.
These documents must first be certified by a UK-registered solicitor or Notary Public.
The FCDO then issues the apostille against the solicitor’s or notary’s signature and seal, not the original document’s details.
Examples requiring notarisation or solicitor certification first include:
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits / statutory declarations
- Certified copies of passports / driving licences
- All educational documents (degrees, diplomas like ACCA diplomas, transcripts)
- Most company documents
- Translations
- DBS certificates
Knowing whether notarisation is needed before an apostille can be confusing; we simplify the process and ensure your documents are handled correctly and quickly:
- We assess your document to confirm if notarisation/certification is required or if it qualifies directly for a quick apostille service.
- We arrange certification efficiently with an FCDO-registered solicitor or notary if needed.
- We handle the FCDO application and manage the submission, whether you require standard processing or our express apostille options for an urgent apostille.
- We provide a seamless service, ensuring the fastest way to get your document’s apostille correctly.
