The Legalisation Office (FCO) - The only competent authority in the UK to issue apostilles and legalisation certificates.

Welcome to the Legalisation Office website. The Legalisation Office of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is the only competent authority to issue apostilles in the UK.

Legalisation is the official confirmation that a signature, seal or stamp on a UK public document is genuine. It does not authenticate the content of the document. Legalisation is usually required by foreign authorities before they will allow a UK document to be used for official purposes in their country.

The UK does not require any documents to be legalised for use within the UK.

Important Notice Relating to Apostille Change

Please note that as from 7 March 2012 the Legalisation Office will issue a new square tri-lingual apostille/legalisation certificate. Please contact legalisationenquiries@fco.gov.uk if verification of an issued apostille is required.

Important Notice Relating to Postal Applications

To help us legalise your document(s) quickly it is important that you read the How to Apply page before you send your document(s) to the Legalisation Office. If your application is incomplete in any way, we will be unable to legalise your document and it will be returned to you with further instructions as to what to do next. Some applications are non-straightforward and may take longer to process.

How to Apply

Milton Keynes Postal Service - For all applications from members of the public and business customers

Pre-registered Businesses only - For the Centre Point Premium Service and Drop-Off and Collection facility

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions that have not been answered elsewhere on our website, you will probably find the answer here.

Documents we can legalise

More information on how documents must be presented for legalisation

Feedback and Contact Us

How to contact us, ask a question not answered on our website, or give feedback on our service.

Additional information about legalisation, the Hague Convention and useful links

If you want to learn more about the legalisation process, the Hague Convention, the apostille certifcate, or links to other relevant authorities you can look here.

Contact us

Ask a question not answered on our website, or enquire about an application already submitted to us

Sudan: FCO Minister says Security Council Statement demonstrates “grave concern”

News, 06 Mar 2012
Speaking from New York, Foreign Office Minister Henry Bellingham, commented on the agreement by the Security Council of a Presidential Statement on Sudan and South Sudan.

Foreign Secretary statement on E3+3 talks with Iran

News, 06 Mar 2012
UK, US, France, Germany, Russia and China agree to further talks with Iran about its nuclear programme.

Foreign Secretary comments on Russian presidential elections

News, 06 Mar 2012
Foreign Secretary William Hague has noted the election observers assessment of the presidential elections in Russia on 4 March.

Foreign Office Minister offers condolences following severe storms in the United States

News, 06 Mar 2012
Minister Burt has spoken following the tragic loss of life caused by the tornadoes in the Midwest and the South of the United States.

Foreign Office Minister visits Yemen

News, 05 Mar 2012
Minister for the Middle East Alistair Burt said the UK will remain a close development and political partner to Yemen when he visited the country on 5 March.

Norfolk House applications update for 7 March 2012

The Legalisation Office is currently processing postal applications received at its Norfolk House office on the 6 and 7 March 2012.

During the months of January and February 2012, the Legalisation Office processed and despatched 100% of all straightforward applications received by its next (working) day published target.

Special Notices

Problem concerning customers not receiving confirmation e-mails upon completing an online payment

This is a known issue, which is currently under investigation, regarding payment confirmation e-mails not being received after payment has been made via the website. Please ensure that when making an online payment the Payment Status page is printed prior to clicking Complete Payment. Please then send this page along with your application.

Members of the public please note

We are closed to the public. Please do not visit the Legalisation Office in person. Send all applications by post.

There is now a Word version of the Legalisation Application Form available below in Related documents. Please complete on your computer, print and submit it in your application.