In the UK you can obtain two types of apostille on a document. The traditional paper apostille certificate, or the electronic apostille (e-Apostilles). ​Both versions authenticate UK documents for international use. However, not all documents can have the e-Apostille. In addition, not all authorities overseas will accept your document with an e-Apostille.

Eligibility Criteria for e-Apostille:

To qualify for an e-Apostille, documents must be digitally signed by a UK solicitor or notary public using an Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) or a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES). The solicitor or notary must have registered their enhanced digital signature with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Legalisation Office. ​

In short – Only documents that are digitally signed by a solicitor or notary can have the e-apostille!

Documents Eligible for e-Apostille:

Documents that can be digitally signed and are eligible for an e-apostille include:​

• Academic Documents:
  • Degrees, Masters, and PhD certificates​
  • PGCE or QTS certificates​
  • TEFL and TESOL certificates from recognised UK TEFL services​
  • Other school, university or college certificates
  • Professional qualifications and membership certificates for recognised UK bodies​

Note: Verification of these documents is required before they can be legalised.

• Personal Documents:
  • Employment documents and contracts​
  • NHS employment letters​
  • HMRC letters​
  • Power of attorney documents​
  • Affidavits​
  • Statutory declarations​
  • Copies of passports and driving licences​

Note: Verification of these documents is required before they can be legalised.

• Commercial Documents:
  • Certificates of incorporation​
  • Memorandum and Articles of Association​
  • Company accounts​
  • Board resolutions​
  • Commercial agreements and contracts​

Note: Verification of these documents is required before they can be legalised.

Documents Not Eligible for e-Apostille:

Certain official documents cannot be issued with an e-apostille, including:​

• Birth, death, marriage, civil partnership, and adoption certificates issued by the General Register Office​
• ACRO police certificates for England and Wales​
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificates for England and Wales​
• Disclosure certificates for Scotland and Northern Ireland​
• Fingerprint certificates​
• Membership certificates for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)​
• Any document that is INK signed by a solicitor, notary, government officer or Companies House
• Any document that is INK stamped by a government office

These documents require the traditional paper-based apostille process. ​

Important Considerations:

Before applying for an e-apostille, it’s crucial to verify whether the authority requesting the document is legalised accepts electronic apostilles. Some countries or institutions may still require the traditional paper-based apostille. They may need printed copies of the apostille and e-apostilles cannot be printed. Always confirm the specific requirements with the relevant foreign authority to ensure compliance.​