How to apostille a British document, including an ACRO certificate

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Check the document and the destination's requirements

An FCDO apostille authenticates the signature, stamp or seal on a British document. It is not a translation and does not replace the overseas recipient's requirements. The UK service does not apostille documents issued by another country: those must be legalised through the competent authority in the issuing country. GOV.UK explains this distinction ↗.

Before applying, ask the recipient whether it needs an original or certified copy, who must certify it, whether each document needs a separate apostille and whether electronic legalisation is accepted. The destination country alone does not answer these questions; the procedure and institution can matter.

Choose a paper or electronic apostille

The paper option accommodates documents excluded from the electronic process. In particular, FCDO does not issue e-Apostilles for ACRO certificates and certain British civil-status certificates. An e-Apostille requires a PDF bearing a suitable digital signature from a UK solicitor or notary; a scan of a handwritten signature is not equivalent. The exclusions are listed in the FCDO guidance ↗.

If your ACRO certificate is for an overseas visa, also confirm its acceptable age and translation requirements with the visa authority. An apostille does not renew the certificate's issue date. Before posting your only original, check the return address and the timing of the next stage.

Apply and keep the confirmation

Start with the official online application ↗. Have your document and payment card ready; a postal paper application also requires a return address and access to a printer. Follow the submission instructions supplied after payment rather than an address from an old conversation.

At the time of checking, a standard paper apostille costs £45 per document plus return delivery; an electronic apostille costs £35. Solicitor or notary services, translation and postage to FCDO are separate costs. Check the current price and processing time in the fees and processing information ↗ before paying. The standard paper service gives an estimate of up to 25 working days, excluding postage; verifying a signature can take longer.

After the document is returned

Check the name, document, attached apostille and completeness. Keep a digital copy before international delivery. The recipient can check the apostille ↗ using the verification service linked from GOV.UK.

If the whole set needs translation, give the translator both the document and its apostille. Do not detach attached pages to scan them. For delays, use the contact route in your application confirmation and quote your order reference; establish the status of the first application before making another for the same original.