We make death certificate apostilles hassle-free
Getting an apostille for a death certificate doesn’t have to add stress during an already difficult time. We handle everything from start to finish so you can focus on what matters most.
Send us your original or GRO-certified copy, and we’ll get it apostilled by the FCDO. No complicated forms, no back-and-forth emails, no wondering what happens next.
We handle every death certificate by hand – never in bulk batches that risk damage or loss.
Everything covered in our death certificate legalisation service
When you choose our death certificate apostille service, everything is included in one transparent price:
No hidden fees. No surprise charges.
For use outside the UK, an apostille is required for death certificates and possible legalisation of wills and other probate documents for foreign authorities.
We provide apostilles for all UK registrar-issued death certificates, covering England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
How long does it take to get an apostille?
There are three options for getting an apostille.
Option one: 1 day (next business day)
- Documents must arrive before 9:00 am for the next-day service.
- Documents can be collected around 3:30 pm the next day.
Option two: 3 to 4 days:
- If documents arrive after 9:30 am, it will take 3-4 days
Option three: e-Apostille 5 to 48 hours
If the document qualifies for an e-apostille, it is usually completed within 24 hours but can take two working days, depending on the FCDO’s workload.
Why is an apostille for a death certificate needed?
You may be asked to get an apostille if you need to use the death certificate in other countries. The apostille certificate will verify the death of a person to the requesting authority in another country. Having a verified document enables you to deal with a person’s assets or bank accounts that are located outside of your own country.
Registering a death overseas with an apostille
In some instances, you may need to register a person’s death overseas. For example, if a person was not born in the UK or held dual citizenship.
Or you may have to register the death of a foreign citizen with overseas authorities. All these examples will require an apostille for documents to validate the death certificate. [3]
Is a death certificate required by law?
Yes, the registration of a person’s death is a legal requirement in the UK, and it is a criminal offence not to register a death. You need to register a death so that you can legally dispose of the remains (Funeral Burial) for inheritance matters and government administrative purposes. [4]
Who can order a death certificate?
A relative can request a death certificate. This is also the person that registers the death in the UK. Any of the following individuals may also register the death if a relative is not available:
How long does it take to obtain a death certificate?
Death certificates are usually sent 15 days after you register. In case you wish to have it sooner, you will be required to pay £35 for priority service, and in this case, the death certificate will be sent the following day. [5]
How much does a death certificate cost?
A death certificate costs £11. Registering someone’s death is free, but each copy of the death certificate is charged. [5]
How many death certificates are required?
The number of death certificates you’ll need depends on your circumstances. For example, if the estate is particularly complicated, with assets held by numerous financial institutions, obtaining many death certificates might help expedite the probate procedure.
Please note that: Most financial institutions will only accept UK government-issued death certificates – or copies certified by a solicitor or notary public.
