Electronic Solicitor Certification
Electronic solicitor certification is the process where a UK solicitor applies an Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) or Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) to a digital version of a document. This digital certification is required before the FCDO can issue an e-Apostille.
The solicitor’s electronic signature should also include certification statements to confirm why they are signing the document. This creates a digitally certified version of the document that meets FCDO technical requirements. Only solicitors whose electronic signatures are registered with the FCDO can provide certification that will be accepted for e-Apostille purposes. The electronic certification creates a tamper-evident document where any modifications after signing invalidate the digital signature.
Electronic solicitor certification cannot be used for all document types. Some documents like General Register Office certificates (birth, marriage, death) can only be apostilled in their original paper form. Additionally, the solicitor must either see the original document or receive direct verification from the issuing authority before applying their electronic signature.
When It’s Required
Electronic solicitor certification is needed when documents do not already contain FCDO-approved electronic signatures, which currently applies to all academic, personal, and business documents that are eligible for the e-Apostille.
How Verification Works
Solicitors verify documents by seeing originals in person, receiving them via secure digital platforms like GradIntel, or through direct email confirmation from the issuing institution.
FCDO Registration
Only solicitors who have registered their electronic signatures with the FCDO can provide certification that will be accepted for e-apostille processing.