e-Apostille (Electronic Apostille) vs Paper Apostille: Which Should You Choose?
e-Apostille (Electronic Apostille) vs Paper Apostille: Which Should You Choose?
When you need to legalise UK documents, you’ll likely come across two options — the traditional paper apostille and the modern e-Apostille (electronic apostille).
But what’s the difference between them? Which one is right for you?
At 2eApostille, we help clients understand both options and choose the one that best fits their purpose.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
It confirms that the signature, stamp, or seal on a document is genuine, making the document legally valid in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
What Is an e-Apostille (Electronic Apostille)?
The e-Apostille is a digitally issued version of the traditional paper apostille.
Instead of a physical stamp or sticker, the e-Apostille is a PDF file with a secure digital signature from the UK government.
Important Note on Eligible Documents
Not all documents can receive an e-Apostille. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) currently issues e-Apostilles only for certain types of documents — mainly those that are digitally signed or issued electronically, such as electronic academic certificates, company documents, or PDFs signed with a recognised digital certificate.
Documents that exist only in paper form, or that must be notarised by hand, still require a traditional paper apostille. Examples include original birth, marriage, or death certificates, wet-signed powers of attorney, and other physical notarised documents.
Key features of an e-Apostille:
- Issued electronically by the FCDO
- Sent by email — no postage required
- Includes a digital certificate verifying authenticity
- Can be downloaded, shared, and verified online
Key features of an e-Apostille:
- Issued electronically by the FCDO
- Sent by email — no postage required
- Includes a digital certificate verifying authenticity
- Can be downloaded, shared, and verified online
Key features of a paper apostille:
- Physical certificate with FCDO seal
- Ideal for original or notarised documents
- Accepted worldwide, including countries that don’t yet accept digital versions
e-Apostille vs Paper Apostille — Key Differences
| Format | Digital (PDF with digital seal) | Physical certificate attached to document |
| Delivery | Sent by email | Posted or Collected |
| Speed | Usually faster | Depends on courier/ postage |
| Security | Digitally encripted | Physically sealed |
| Acceptance | Accepted in most Hague Convention countries | Accepted globally |
| Best for | Digital submissions, remote use | Official hard copies, embassy use |
| Document type | Only for digital documents or electronically signed files accepted by FCDO | Required for physical/original or wet-signed documents |
| Examples of Eligible Documents | Academic degrees, police clearance, electronic company documents, notarised PDFs. | Birth Certificates, Marriage Certificates, Death Certificates, Power of Attorney, court documents, company incorporation papers. |
Where is the e-apostille accepted?
The UK e-Apostille is accepted by many countries under the Hague Apostille Convention. However, not all countries have adopted electronic verification systems yet.
Before choosing an e-Apostille, check whether the destination country or organisation (like a university, employer, or court) accepts electronic documents.
At 2eApostille, our team can advise you instantly on which option is suitable for your destination country.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose an e-Apostille if:
- Your document will be submitted digitally
- You need fast turnaround
- The destination accepts electronic apostilles
Choose a Paper Apostille if:
- You need to send original or notarised documents
- You’re submitting to an embassy or government office
- The destination does not yet accept e-Apostilles
2eApostille Can Help You Decide
At 2eApostille, we make the process simple — whether you need an e-Apostille or a paper apostille.
Our experienced team will:
- Check your documents
- Confirm which format your destination requires
- Handle the entire submission process with the FCDO
- Return your apostilled documents securely and quickly
Not sure which apostille you need? Contact 2eApostille today for expert advice and fast, reliable legalisation.
📧 admin@2eApostille.co.uk
📞 020 8396 1433
🌐 https://2eapostille.co.uk/
2E Apostille Services Limited
Registered office address:
Unit 11, Flamingo Court,
81 Crampton Street,
London,
SE17 3BF
(Visits by appointment only)