Do I need a UK solicitor to certify my documents for legalisation?

The answer to whether you need a UK solicitor to certify your documents for legalisation is – it depends.

Here’s a breakdown of when you do and don’t need a solicitor’s involvement:

Certifying copies of UK documents:

Because it’s physically impossible to attach an apostille certificate to original documents like passports and driving licences, you need a solicitor (or a Notary Public) to certify a copy for legalisation.

The FCDO will apostille the solicitor’s certification not the original document itself.

Witnessing signatures:

When a document must be signed in the UK for use overseas (e.g., a power of attorney or affidavit), you need a solicitor (or a Notary Public) to witness your signature and verify your identity.

e-Apostille certification:

For an electronic apostille (e-Apostille), a solicitor (or Notary Public) must certify the document using an Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) or a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES).

Original foreign documents:

The FCDO can only apostille an original foreign document if a UK solicitor/notary verifies its authenticity with the overseas issuer and provides a certificate confirming this. The exact verification process varies for some documents.

When the original UK official signature/seal is not registered:

You would need an FCDO-registered solicitor if a UK public official signature is not on the FCDO’s database.

Original UK Public Documents with Registered Signatures/Seals:

Some documents issued by UK government departments or officials already have a signature and/or seal that the FCDO recognises directly.

Examples include:

• Original Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates (from the General Register Office – GRO)
• ACRO Police Certificates
• Original court documents bearing the court’s original wet ink seal/stamp

In these cases, the FCDO can apostille the original document itself without requiring solicitor or notary certification.

However, if the signature/seal is not on the FCDO database, they will need to verify it, which can cause delays. You might then choose to use a solicitor to expedite the process. 

While a Notary Public specialises in international document authentication, a UK solicitor’s certification is often sufficient for obtaining an FCDO apostille.

The critical factor is whether the FCDO needs an intermediary (the solicitor or notary) to verify the document’s authenticity before it can issue the apostille.

If the FCDO can already verify the document’s origin, no solicitor or notary is required for the apostille itself.

However, a solicitor can facilitate the process as listed above.