Apostille Legalisation for UK Birth Certificate

Who issues the apostille on a birth certificate?

The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) is the sole authority for issuing apostilles. They attach the certificate to the original documents as proof of authentic signatures and provide an apostille certificate.

For what reasons might you require an apostille for a birth certificate?

An apostille for a birth certificate might be required for purposes such as registering a birth in a foreign country, verifying one’s identity, applying for dual citizenship in the UK or overseas, handling matters related to inheritance, or entering marriage in another country.

How do I get a new copy of my birth certificate?

To obtain a copy of your birth certificate and other documents like death certificates, marriage certificates, or civil partnership certificates in England or Wales, kindly refer to this ‘link‘ for detailed instructions.

Can I legalise a birth certificate that is issued outside of the UK?

The United Kingdom generally can only authenticate birth certificates issued within its borders. Legalising non-UK documents is typically done in the country of origin where they were issued.

However, there is an exception to this rule. If a birth certificate was issued in English and by an embassy in London, it could be legalised in the UK, but only with certification from a solicitor. In this case, the apostille will authenticate the solicitor’s certification rather than the embassy’s public official.