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UK Apostille Process & practicalities: Questions Answered

Your UK Apostille Questions Answered: A Complete Guide to the UK Process

How do I send documents for an apostille (by post, courier, email for e-apostille)?

Paper documents (such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or company incorporation certificates) normally need to be sent by post or courier to the apostille service provider or directly to the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Courier is recommended for speed and security.

For electronic apostilles (e-apostilles), some documents like Home Office immigration letters or ACRO police certificates can be submitted as PDFs by email. However, not every document type is eligible for e-apostille. If in doubt, check whether your document falls under the UK e-apostille service

For more details on submitting documents, visit 2eApostille’s guide on how to get an apostille

What is the fastest way to get an apostille in the UK?

The fastest way is typically through a third-party apostille service like 2eApostille. They can often provide a premium service that processes your documents in as little as one working day, as opposed to the several weeks it can take with the UK government’s standard service. This is particularly useful for time-sensitive documents like Power of Attorney or academic/university degrees needed for urgent overseas travel or job applications.

Learn more about their fast services at 2eApostille’s fast apostille service page.

The FCDO’s standard postal service, on the other hand, can take over two weeks or 15 days https://www.gov.uk/get-document-legalised for Standard Service.

To compare options, see apostille service turnaround times

Can I get a same-day apostille service?

Same-day service is available for specific and ‘restricted’ urgent cases, such as visa or travel documents where the date of travel is within 48 hours, or for documents related to the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult. It is best to contact an apostille service directly to determine if your situation qualifies.

Same-day submissions without prior approval from FCDO cannot be processed.

As of July 2025, the FCDO has expanded these criteria, making it possible for more individuals and businesses to access urgent legalisation. This is great news for clients who previously might not have qualified but can now rely on this service for time-sensitive needs.

For information on urgent services where eligibility criteria for ‘Urgent’ apostille service applies, see Need ‘Urgent’ Apostille

What is the cut-off time for ‘urgent’ submissions?

To use the FCDO’s Same-Day Apostille Service, we must obtain prior authorisation from the FCDO on your behalf. This authorisation process requires us to submit your request to the FCDO by 4:00 PM (16:00) at the latest on the working day before you need the service.

However, we strongly advise clients to inquire with us as early in the day as possible, well before the 4:00 PM cut-off. Early inquiries allow our team to assess your situation, prepare the necessary documents, and increase the likelihood of securing FCDO approval in time.

Can one apostille cover more than one document?

In most cases, no — each document receives its own apostille such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate, typically requires a separate apostille. You will be charged per document.

However, there are exceptions: if a solicitor certifies multiple related documents (for example, bank statements for several months, or a set of utility bills) as a single “exhibit,” then one apostille can cover that bundle.

For examples of bundled certification, see apostille for bank statements and apostille for utility bills

A single apostille can be issued for a “bound set” of related documents, such as multiple educational certificates from the same university (e.g., a degree and a transcript), or a set of company documents like the Certificate of Incorporation and Articles of Association. It is recommended to check with the requesting party in the destination country to confirm if they will accept a bundled apostille.

To understand more about this, visit 2eApostille’s FAQ page

Can multiple documents be apostilled at the same time?

Yes. You can send several documents together, such as a degree certificate, transcript, and letter of employment, all in one order. Each document will normally receive its own apostille.

For guidance on handling multiple documents, see UK apostille service overview

How do I track my apostille order?

You can track your order through the apostille service’s online account system. They provide real-time updates on each stage of the process, from receiving your documents to dispatching the completed order. This system is useful for tracking a range of documents, including GRO certificates and academic documents.

The FCDO does not provide direct online tracking for postal submissions. If you use a provider like 2eApostille, you’ll receive order updates. For example, if you submit a certificate of naturalisation or Home Office letter, the service will confirm once the apostille has been issued and your documents are en route back to you.

You can learn more on the FAQs page

What happens if my apostille is lost in the post?

If your apostille is lost, you should first contact the delivery service to track the parcel. You should also inform the apostille provider. In many cases, if an original government-issued document like a birth or death certificate is lost, you will need to order a new one from the General Register Office (GRO) before it can be apostilled again.

Read about their replacement document services at 2eApostille’s replacement services page.

How long is an apostille valid for? (Does it expire?)

The apostille certificate itself never expires. However, some countries impose restrictions on the age of the underlying document. For example:

  • Police clearance certificates often need to be less than six months old.
  • Medical letters may need to be recent for immigration purposes.

So while the apostille remains valid, you may be asked to reissue the document itself. See apostille for medical documents and apostille for police/UKVI letters

How do I order a replacement apostille?

If you lose an apostilled death certificate, academic transcript, or other document, you cannot order a replacement apostille by itself. You must resubmit the original (or obtain a fresh copy from the issuing authority) and apply for a new apostille. especially for official records like a birth certificate or marriage certificate, as the FCDO can only apostille original documents or properly certified copies.

Discover their services for government-issued certificates at 2eApostille’s page on apostille for government certificates.

Guidance can be found at apostille for death certificates and apostille for university documents

  • – – – – –

Understanding the UK apostille process helps you avoid delays, especially when dealing with urgent matters like visas, overseas employment, or international study. Whether you’re submitting a birth certificate, a degree, or a Home Office letter, knowing whether solicitor certification is required and how to choose the right service option is key.

For expert help, explore the full range of apostille services from 2eApostille

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✉️ admin@2eapostille.co.uk

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