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Legalisation
See also - our premium service
What is legalisation?
Legalisation is the official confirmation that a signature, seal or stamp on a document is genuine, but having a document legalised doesn’t mean that its contents are accurate, and it does not carry any sort of official approval by the FCO.All we can do is legalise documents – we can’t translate them or offer any other services.
Fees
Legalisation fees are as follows:
- Applications to Premium Service (London service for Business customers only): £69 per Apostille
- Applications to Norfolk House (Milton Keynes): £28 per Apostille
The fee has increased because the costs of legalising documents have increased. HM Treasury rules require us to recover the full issuingcosts from fee income. Thus, all applications received on or after 9 April 2009 will require payment at the revised rates as detailed above. The option £6 fee for Return by Special Delivery for postal applications will remain unchanged.
How do we legalise documents?
First we check the signature, seal or stamp on the document against our database. Then we attach an apostille (the legal term for the legalisation certificate) to confirm that it is genuine.
Why do documents need to be legalised?
If you are going to use British documents overseas, for business or personal reasons, you’ll probably be asked to have your documents legalised before they can be accepted. The FCO stamp of authenticity gives the person you’re dealing with complete confidence that it’s the genuine article.
What documents do I need to legalise?
We can’t tell you that, because it depends on the local requirements. Only the authority or organisation you’re dealing with can give you that information. But you may be able to get advice from the Embassy, Consulate or High Commission of the country you’re travelling to.
We can legalise most UK documents, but you should check the details at documents we can legalise.
For overseas weddings different countries have their own requirements, so check carefully well in advance.
How can I get my documents legalised?
You can send them to us by post or bring them to our public counter in Milton Keynes
Documents we can legalise
We can legalise most UK documents as long as they bear an original signature, seal or stamp from a UK public organisation or official.
Applications by post
Information on how to apply to get your documents legalised by post.
The public counter
Information on the public counter office – for standard service - to legalise documents.
Avoiding delays
Information on how to avoid delays when getting a document legalised.
Contact us
Please find the Legalisation Office contact details below
Premium Service
Business customers only.