The fastest standard apostille service we offer is a next-business-day service.

This applies to documents already in the correct format and do not require solicitor certification or notarisation.

If your document requires certification by a solicitor, you must submit it by 9:30 a.m. for next-day service.

Documents requiring notarisation do not qualify unless already notarised by an FCDO-registered notary.

In extremely rare and urgent cases, a same-day service might be possible with prior FCDO approval and additional fees, but this is not guaranteed.

Explanation:

1. Next-Day Apostille Service:

  • Standard Processing: Our fastest service is the next business day. To qualify, your documents must be originals and not require any further certification (e.g., birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, ACRO police certificates). If the document requires solicitor certification (for example, company documents), it must be received by 9:30 a.m.
  • Document Arrival: Documents (that do not need solicitor certification) must arrive at our office by 10:00 am on a working day.
  • Collection: Your apostilled documents will be ready for collection the following business day around 3:30 pm.
  • Return: Alternatively, we can return your documents to you by courier.
  • Documents requiring notarisation: These documents do not qualify for the next-day service unless they have already been notarised by a notary registered with the FCDO.

2. Same-Day Apostille Service (Rare Exception):

This service is exceptionally rare and only available for pre-registered users with extremely urgent circumstances.

It requires pre-approval from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and is not guaranteed, even with pre-approval. There are also additional fees involved.

  • Eligibility: This service is only for genuine, demonstrable emergency cases.
  • Pre-Approval (Essential):
    • You must contact the FCDO directly (or we can assist you) to explain your urgent need and request pre-approval for same-day service.
    • You must provide compelling evidence to support your urgent request, such as court dates, medical letters, or documentation of an emergency.
  • Process (If Pre-Approved):
    • Document Drop-off: If the FCDO grants pre-approval, you must drop off your documents at our London office by 10:00 am on a working day.
    • Urgent Processing: We will immediately submit your documents to the FCDO for urgent processing.
    • Collection: We will collect your apostilled documents from the FCDO’s Milton Keynes office between 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. the same day. They will be ready for collection at our London office around 3:30 p.m. the same day.

 

Important Notes:

  • The same-day service is highly exceptional and subject to FCDO discretion and capacity.
  • Pre-approval is mandatory for same-day service and does not guarantee that the FCDO will process the documents on the same day.
  • The FCDO will charge additional fees for any urgent service.

We strongly recommend contacting us as early as possible if you need same-day service so we can advise you on the process and assist with obtaining FCDO pre-approval.