Is the e-apostille process secure?

Yes, the e-Apostille process is designed to be secure when implemented correctly according to the standards of the Hague Apostille Convention and the e-APP (electronic Apostille Programme).

Several layers of security are involved:

The cornerstone of the UK e-apostille system requires an advanced qualified electronic signature from a UK FCDO-registered solicitor or notary public. These are not simple scanned signatures.

They are cryptographically secure digital signatures that comply with specific technical standards (typically, those defined by eIDAS – the EU regulation on electronic identification and trust services – which the UK still adheres to for these purposes).

These signatures provide:

• Authentication: They identify the signatory (the solicitor/notary).
• Integrity: They ensure the document has not been tampered with after signing. Any alteration would invalidate the signature.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Legalisation Office verifies the qualified electronic signature of the solicitor/notary before issuing an e-Apostille. They maintain a register of authorised signatories and their corresponding digital certificates, which confirm that the signature is from a legitimate, registered professional.

Qualified electronic signatures and the e-Apostilles themselves rely on Public Key Infrastructure (PKI). This well-established cryptographic system uses digital certificates to establish identity and secure communication. The FCDO’s e-Apostille will have its own digital signature, allowing receiving parties to verify its authenticity.

A key component of the e-APP is the concept of online verification registers. The UK maintains such a register, allowing anyone receiving an e-Apostille to verify its validity online. This register provides a real-time check against the FCDO’s records, confirming that the e-Apostille is genuine and has not been revoked.

The register provides the following information: Apostille Number, Date of issue, and the name of the person who signed the document. This confirms that the document is genuine.

The Hague Apostille Convention, specifically the e-APP, sets out standards and best practices for securing the issuance and verification of e-Apostilles. This promotes interoperability and trust between participating countries.

In Summary, the e-apostille process is designed to be secure, relying on qualified electronic signatures, FCDO verification, PKI technology, and online verification registers.

However, like any system, it’s not entirely without potential risks. The system’s strength lies in the multiple layers of security and the adherence to international standards.

The use of qualified electronic signatures by regulated professionals, combined with the FCDO’s central role and the online verification register, provides a high level of assurance.