The Legalisation Office (FCO) - The only competent authority in the UK to issue apostilles and legalisation certificates.

Welcome to the Legalisation Office website. The Legalisation Office of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is the only competent authority to issue apostilles in the UK.

Legalisation is the official confirmation that a signature, seal or stamp on a UK public document is genuine. It does not authenticate the content of the document. Legalisation is usually required by foreign authorities before they will allow a UK document to be used for official purposes in their country.

The UK does not require any documents to be legalised for use within the UK.

Important Notice Relating to Postal Applications

To help us legalise your document(s) quickly it is important that you read the How to Apply page before you send your document(s) to the Legalisation Office. If your application is incomplete in any way, we will be unable to legalise your document and it will be returned to you with further instructions as to what to do next. Some applications are non-straightforward and may take longer to process.

How to Apply

Milton Keynes Postal Service - For all applications from members of the public and business customers

Pre-registered Businesses only - For the Centre Point Premium Service and Drop-Off and Collection facility

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions that have not been answered elsewhere on our website, you will probably find the answer here.

Documents we can legalise

More information on how documents must be presented for legalisation

Feedback and Contact Us

How to contact us, ask a question not answered on our website, or give feedback on our service.

Additional information about legalisation, the Hague Convention and useful links

If you want to learn more about the legalisation process, the Hague Convention, the apostille certifcate, or links to other relevant authorities you can look here.

Contact us

Ask a question not answered on our website, or enquire about an application already submitted to us

Foreign Secretary discusses Syria with Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov

News, 08 Feb 2012
Foreign Secretary William Hague spoke by telephone for half an hour this morning to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov after the latter’s visit to Syria.

Falkland Islanders free to determine their own future

News, 08 Feb 2012
A Foreign Office spokesperson has today spoken about the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands.

Foreign Office Minister meets Libyan Culture Minister

News, 07 Feb 2012
Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt and Dr Atia Lawgali discussed the development of civil society during their meeting on 7 Feb.

Unrest in the Maldives

News, 07 Feb 2012
The Foreign Office advise against all but essential travel to the Maldivian capital Male following political demonstrations and unrest.

Engaging with the Burmese Government

News, 07 Feb 2012
Foreign Office Minister Jeremy Browne met with Burmese Ambassador to the UK, His Excellency U Kyaw Myo Htut on 6 February.

Norfolk House applications update for 8 February 2012

The Legalisation Office is currently processing postal applications received at its Norfolk House office on the 7 and 8 February 2012.

During the months of November and December 2011, the Legalisation Office processed and despatched 100% of all straightforward applications received by its next (working) day published target.

Special Notices

Members of the public please note

We are closed to the public. Please do not visit the Legalisation Office in person. Send all applications by post.

There is now a Word version of the Legalisation Application Form available below in Related documents. Please complete on your computer, print and submit it in your application.