First, we understand your needs. You might require one or a combination of services to make your documents valid for use abroad:

  • Certification: Validating the authenticity of your document
  • Notarisation: A notary public verifies signatures, oaths, or affirmations.
  • Apostille: A simplified certification for countries in the Hague Convention.
  • Legalisation: A multi-step process for countries not in the Hague Convention.
  • Translation: Certified translations of documents for international use.

Which process is right for you?

The path you need to take depends on a few factors:

  • Document type: Is it a personal, educational, or commercial document?
  • Requesting authority: Who is asking for the authenticated document?
  • Destination country: Where will your document be used?

We’re here to decode the jargon

We know that the terminology can be a bit confusing. “Legalisation,” “attestation,” “certification,” “apostille,” even “notarisation” – different countries might use other words. Don’t worry if you’re unsure.

We’re experts in navigating these nuances and help you determine the exact steps to prepare your documents for their international journey.

Next steps

Your documents.

Ready to get started?
Here’s how we make the process smooth:

If you know what you need:

  • Simply deliver or mail your documents to our office.
  • We’ll handle everything from there, keeping you updated along the way.

If you are unsure of the requirements:

  • Contact us by email or phone. We’re happy to offer expert advice.
  • We’ll assess your documents, explain your options, and provide a clear proposal with a timeline and cost estimate.

Your proposal and quote:

Our comprehensive proposal will detail:

  • Apostille service
  • Solicitor certification (if needed)
  • Notarisation (if needed)
  • Consular attestation (if needed)
  • Translation (if needed)
  • All associated costs and timelines

Need notarisation?

We’ll schedule a notary appointment in London or arrange a convenient video call if you’re outside the area.

Once you approve:

We’ll need to receive your original documents after you’ve given us the green light.

Next up

Getting your documents to us (and back to you).

Delivery and collection options:

  • In-person: Visit our office between 9 AM and 5 PM, Monday to Friday.
  • Quick drop-off: Leave your documents at our first-floor reception between 8 AM and 5:30 PM (no appointment needed).

 Returning your documents:

We offer several convenient options for getting your legalised documents back to you:

  • In-person collection: Pick up your documents at our office
  • Secure postal service: We use DHL or Royal Mail for reliable delivery.
  • London bike courier: This is for urgent, same-day service within London.

No matter where you are, we’ll ensure your documents are returned to you safely and efficiently.

Payment options.

We offer a variety of payment methods to suit your needs:

  • Bank transfer (preferred): This is our most efficient payment option.
  • Online payments: We accept credit & debit cards and PayPal.
  • In-person: Our office welcomes cash or card payments, including Apply Pay and Google Pay.

Your apostilled documents.

As soon as your documents are apostilled, we’ll email you a scanned copy for your records. If you’ve chosen a delivery service, we’ll also provide you with a tracking number to monitor your shipment’s progress.

Related pages on our site:

About us |  | What is an apostille |  Solicitor certification  | Notarisation   | Translations |  Service guidelines | Refund policy

Your one stop shop for apostille & legalisations.

If you need advice on completing the application form or require additional information, get in touch with our experts.

DHL return shipping

Shipping is handled via DHL, domestic and international

We ship worldwide!

We ship all over the world, wherever you may live.

Email notifications

We keep you updated about your order via email

Premium services

Get a faster decision on your apostille application

Make sure that your documents don’t get rejected by the FCDO.

This list is NOT exhaustive and there may be other reasons for the Legalisation Office to refuse to legalise documents.

Make sure documents are accepted

  • Ensure your documents are clean and legible

  • Ensure documents that require a signature are signed

  • Your ID documents, like your passport is valid

  • Make your you send only original documents

  • Check the date, most documents require a date

  • Make sure your documents are not laminated

  • If required, make sure you include attachments

  • Remove staples, and don’t punch holes in your documents

Reasons why documents get rejected

  • Missing signatures on documents

  • Missing date or other important information is missing

  • Public documents for legalisation miss or have incorrect certification

  • Document not issued in the UK may not be suitable for the UK apostille

  • Registrar/Solicitor/Signatory is not registered within the FCO’s database.
  • Laminated documents will be rejected for legalisation by the FCDO

  • Documents with missing numbered pages or missing attachments

  • Notary Public has not sealed the document

Need help? Do you have questions?

Contact us. We’ll get back to you as soon as humanly possible. Usually within one working hour. Alternatively, you can call us on +44 (0) 207 0500 692.