You need an apostille for your documents if an overseas authority has requested that you legalise your UK documents with a UK apostille from the UK FCDO. You need an apostille if your documents are used overseas in an official capacity or if you need proof that your document is genuine.
The need for an apostille also depends on whether the document is a public document.
Per the HCCH, public documents are executed by an authority or a person acting in an official capacity.
The definition of a public document is entirely dependent on the country the document originated from.
Examples of public documents needing an apostille include:
- Birth Certificate
- Death Certificate
- Marriage or Civil Partnership Certificate
- Change of Name Deed Poll
- Educational documents
- Business documents
- Court Judgements
- Powers of Attorney, Affidavits, and Wills
- Certain Religious documents
- Medical documents
- Export Certificates
- Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs Documents
- Export Papers for Pets
The type of document determines if the apostille can be affixed to a certified photocopy or if it must be affixed to the original.
