At a Glance
Step
- Send your document details for review
- We confirm the correct route and any certification needed
- We submit via the right apostille format (paper or e-Apostille where eligible)
- We return your documents by tracked delivery
What You Need
- Your document (original or correctly certified copy, depending on type)
- If required: solicitor certification or notarisation (confirmed during pre-check)
- If required: certified translation (we advise where it fits)
What Affects Turnaround
- FCDO processing capacity and chosen service type
- Whether certification is needed before submission
- Courier and postage time both ways
- Errors that must be corrected before submission
Common Reasons for Rejection
- Incorrect certification wording or missing details
- Wrong format (original vs certified copy)
- e-Apostille files that do not meet digital signing requirements
- Missing pages, attachments, or incomplete documents
What is a UK apostille and what does it verify?
An apostille is issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to authenticate the signature, stamp or seal on a UK document for use overseas. It does not verify the document’s content.
Do you need an apostille or embassy legalisation?
Some destinations only need an apostille. Others need further embassy or consular legalisation after the apostille.
Use Check My Documents and tell us where the document will be used. We will confirm the route before submission.
Do you need Solicitor Certification & Notarisation
Notarisation
Notarisation is not always required. In many UK apostille cases, solicitor certification is sufficient and is commonly needed for:
- Educational certificates and transcripts
- Experience letters
- Membership certificates
- Medical or financial documents
- Certified copies of passports or powers of attorney
Solicitor Certification
- Personal documents: £19.99
- Commercial documents: £29.99
If notarisation is required, we will advise clearly and can arrange it. We assess this during the document pre-check so you do not pay for unnecessary steps.
Paper apostille vs e-Apostille
E-Apostille
- Issued electronically for eligible digitally signed PDF documents
- Acceptance varies by destination and receiving authority
- Not suitable for many embassy legalisation routes where paper is still requested
Paper Apostille
- Physical Apostille certificate attached to the document
- Commonly requested by embassies and authorities
- Suitable for most traditional routes
How The Process Works
1. Document Review
We confirm eligibility, format, and certification requirements
2. Certification Check
We arrange solicitor certification where needed and submit using the correct route.
3. Apostille Submission
The apostille is issued in the appropriate format, paper or e-Apostille where eligible.
4. Secure Return
Your documents are returned by tracked delivery.
Turnaround and pricing
| Service | Turnaround | Price |
| Standard Apostille | 4–5 working days (typical) | From £75 per document |
| Express Apostille | 2 working days (where available) | £120 per document |
Limited launch offer: Express Apostille £110 per document (Standard £75 + £35 upgrade)
Offer ends: 31st May 2026
Express cut-off: Express cut-off: documents must be received before 10:00am.
Timelines start once documents are received and checks are complete.
Prices exclude return postage. Multi-document discounts may apply
Paper apostille vs e-Apostille
- Tracked return delivery
- Secure UK-based handling
- Clear chain of responsibility
- Documents are accounted for at every stage
Your documents are handled professionally throughout.
Why Sterling & Reeve
Document Review
We check documents before submission, not after rejection.
Certification Check
We advise when an apostille is part of a wider legalisation journey.
Apostille Submission
Clear responsibility from receipt to return.
Secure Return
Solicitor certification and Chamber of Commerce coordination where required.
Get In Touch
UK Apostille handled correctly, without unnecessary delays.
