How long does a UK e-Apostille take?
How long does a UK e-Apostille take?
The time it takes to obtain a UK e-Apostille depends on document checks, solicitor certification and submission to the FCDO. While the process can sometimes be completed within hours, we quote a realistic timeframe of 1 to 2 working days to ensure accuracy and reliability. This page explains what happens during that period and why we do not offer artificial speed upgrades.
• Typical e-Apostille processing time
• Why we quote 1 to 2 working days
• What happens during the e-Apostille process
• Factors that can affect turnaround time
• Can an e-Apostille be completed faster than 1 to 2 days?
• Why we do not offer paid speed upgrades
Everything You Need for a Fast Legalisation Service
Your e-Apostille is issued directly by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Our team will verify the document and organise valid electronic solicitor certification to avoid delays.
How long does it really take to obtain a UK e-Apostille?
How long does it really take to obtain a UK e-Apostille?
People often want a clear answer to how long the process will take from submission to completion. While some providers advertise instant or guaranteed same-day services, the reality is that multiple steps must be completed correctly before an e-Apostille can be issued. This page explains the genuine timelines involved and why our quoted timescale reflects both efficiency and accuracy.
Although an e-Apostille can technically be completed within a few hours, every document must pass several checks before it is suitable for submission to the FCDO. We therefore quote 1 to 2 working days to allow for verification, solicitor availability and secure processing. This timeframe gives customers a realistic expectation while still ensuring the fastest possible service.
We do everything we can to move documents through the process as quickly as possible, but we do not create artificial delays or hold faster processing behind paid upgrades. Every order is prioritised equally and processed at the earliest opportunity.
Realistic timeframes
We quote 1 to 2 working days to reflect genuine processing steps, solicitor availability and FCDO workloads.
Process efficiency
Many e-Apostilles are completed faster, but we prioritise accuracy and compliance every time.
No paid speed tiers
We do not delay documents to encourage customers to pay for faster processing.
Typical e-Apostille processing time
Typical e-Apostille processing time
In most cases, a UK e-Apostille is completed within 1 to 2 working days. This includes time for document checks, digital solicitor certification submission to the FCDO and allowing time for their workload at that time. While some documents are completed more quickly, this timeframe ensures a safe and compliant process without unnecessary risk.
Why we quote 1 to 2 working days
Why we quote 1 to 2 working days
Although the process can be completed in a matter of hours, quoting 1 to 2 working days provides a realistic expectation. Document verification and solicitor availability can vary slightly throughout the day. By quoting this timeframe, we ensure customers are not misled by overly optimistic promises that cannot be guaranteed consistently.
What happens during the e-Apostille process
What happens during the e-Apostille process
Several steps take place before an e-Apostille can be issued. These include checking the document format, verifying its suitability, applying solicitor digital certification if required and submitting it to the FCDO. Each step must be completed correctly to ensure the e-Apostille is valid and accepted by the receiving authority.
This process is carried out as quickly as possible, but accuracy is essential to avoid rejection or future complications.
Factors that can affect turnaround time
Factors that can affect turnaround time
A small number of factors can influence how quickly an e-Apostille is completed. These include poor document quality, incorrect file formats, missing information or the need for additional verification. Solicitor availability can also have a minor impact depending on when the document is approved for certification.
Submitting a clear, correctly prepared PDF helps minimise any potential delays. If we need you to send us a paper document to verify ahead of digitising the document this will cause a delay until the document is received in our office.
Can an e-Apostille be completed faster than 1 to 2 days?
Can an e-Apostille be completed faster than 1 to 2 days?
Yes. In many cases, e-Apostilles are completed within hours. However, this is not guaranteed due to the checks, certification steps and FCDO delays. We therefore quote 1 to 2 working days to provide an accurate and dependable timeframe rather than overpromising on speed.
Why we do not offer paid speed upgrades
Why we do not offer paid speed upgrades
Some providers deliberately delay processing unless customers pay an additional fee for faster service. We do not operate this way. Every document is processed as quickly as possible with no artificial delays. There are no speed tiers or priority upgrades. The service you receive is always the fastest available option.
How The e-Apostille Process Works
The process is simple. Follow the steps below and we will arrange the e-apostille for you.
