FCDO e-Apostille for documents used abroad

What is an e-Apostille?

An e-Apostille is an electronic certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, also known as the FCDO. It authenticates the signature, seal or stamp on an eligible UK public document for use abroad. It does not certify that the contents of the document are true or guarantee that the receiving authority will accept the document.

For an e-Apostille, the FCDO requires a PDF electronically signed by a UK notary or solicitor. The electronic document can then be shared digitally with the recipient.

Which countries accept an e-Apostille?

An apostille is used for documents going to countries that are party to the Hague Apostille Convention. Acceptance of an electronic apostille can vary by receiving authority and by document. Ask the organisation receiving your document whether it accepts a UK e-Apostille before you proceed. If it requires paper, we can discuss the paper apostille route instead.

We do not promise acceptance in a named country without checking the recipient's requirements. Some destinations or documents may need a different legalisation route.

Remote notarisation and the e-Apostille

Remote notarisation and an e-Apostille are separate steps. Where the document and intended use are suitable, Sheikh Najam, Notary (England and Wales), can notarise remotely. The electronically signed document can then be submitted for an FCDO e-Apostille if it meets the FCDO's requirements and the recipient accepts the electronic form.

Remote appointments are available for suitable documents across England and Wales. The notary checks suitability and explains any identification or document requirements before an appointment is confirmed. In-person appointments are available at our Holborn office when needed.

Which documents can be considered?

A power of attorney, a company document, an academic certificate or a Notary Certified copy of an identity document may be suitable, depending on its form, the FCDO's rules and what the recipient requires. We review each document before confirming whether an e-Apostille is appropriate. Do not assume that a document is eligible merely because it belongs to one of these groups.

The FCDO says e-Apostilles are not available for birth, death, marriage, civil partnership or adoption certificates from the General Register Office, ACRO police certificates or DBS certificates for England and Wales. Ask us about the paper route for these documents.

Fees and timing

E-Apostille: £120 plus VAT per document, including the £35 FCDO e-Apostille fee. Any notary fee is separate and depends on the work required. We confirm the applicable fee before you proceed.

Same-day completion may be possible for suitable documents. We confirm availability for your matter before you proceed. FCDO guidance says its e-Apostille service can take up to 2 working days and longer where checks are needed, so same-day completion cannot be guaranteed.

How to start

1. Send an enquiry with the document type, country of use and any deadline. Do not send sensitive documents until we explain how to provide them.
2. We review the document and the receiving organisation's requirements and confirm the appropriate route, fee and expected timing.
3. If notarisation is needed, the notary confirms whether it can take place remotely or whether an in-person appointment is appropriate.
4. Once the eligible electronic document has been legalised, it can be shared digitally with the recipient.

Request an e-Apostille Contact us

You can send a request at any hour. The team confirms appointments by email during office hours, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Common questions