The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) handles e-Apostille data in two ways, which is essential to distinguish:

  1. Online verification (indefinite—if you have the reference): You can verify a UK-issued e-Apostille online, using the FCDO’s verification service (gov. UK/verify-apostille), indefinitely, provided you have the apostille’s unique reference number. There is no stated time limit on the availability of this online verification service. This differs from a limit on downloading the file, which I previously (and incorrectly) stated.
  2. Permanent record (indefinitely): The FCDO is legally required to maintain a permanent, indefinite electronic record of all Apostilles issued (both paper and electronic). This is an obligation under Article 7 of the Hague Apostille Convention. This record includes:
    • The name of the public official on the document (usually the solicitor/notary).
    • Their signature (a record of it, in the case of e-Apostilles).
    • The date of issue of the Apostille.
    • The Apostille number.
    • The name of the Legalisation Officer issuing the document.

Implications:

  • Online verification: If you have the e-Apostilles reference number, you can verify its authenticity on the FCDO website anytime.
  • E-apostille link. You have 21 days to download your document.
  • Secure storage: While the online verification service is available, it’s still best practice to download and securely store the e-Apostilled PDF document as soon as it’s issued. This is your primary proof of the apostille. Having the file ensures you can always provide it, even if there are ever issues with the online verification service in the future.
  • Contacting the FCDO (rarely necessary): The permanent record held by the FCDO is primarily for their internal record-keeping and compliance with the Hague Convention. It’s not intended as a routine verification method for the public. The online verification tool is the primary method. Contacting the FCDO directly about verification should only be necessary in exceptional circumstances (e.g., you’ve lost the document and the reference number and need to prove the document was apostilled). There is no guarantee they would provide the service.

 

The FCDO maintains a permanent record of all issued e-apostilles. According to current official guidance, the online verification service uses the apostille’s reference number and is available indefinitely.

There is no 21-day limit for online verification using the reference number.

However, you are provided a link and have 21 days to download your documents.

You should always download and securely store the e-Apostilled PDF as your primary proof.