United Kingdom Apostille & Document Authentication
A British certificate going abroad and a U.S. certificate going to Britain have different submission routes. The UK Legalisation Office handles eligible UK documents; it cannot legalise records issued outside the UK.
UK-issued documents
Powers, contracts and qualifications may need UK notary or solicitor certification. Confirm whether the recipient needs originals or certified copies.
Paper or electronic
Paper applications require postal submission; electronic applications require digitally signed UK notary or solicitor PDFs. UK guidance excludes civil-registration certificates and specified police records from e-Apostilles.
U.S. documents for British recipients
Use the issuing U.S. state for a state record and the federal route for a federal document. Ask whether the British institution actually requires an apostille.
Where a certified English or Welsh translation is requested, GOV.UK says the translator should confirm accuracy, date, full name and contact details. Check the specific recipient’s instructions before commissioning it.
Frequently asked questions
Can the UK Legalisation Office apostille my U.S. birth certificate?
No. GOV.UK directs foreign-issued documents to their issuing country.
Can a UK birth certificate receive an e-Apostille?
The current UK guidance excludes General Register Office civil-registration certificates from the electronic service.
Official sources
Reviewed on 2026-10-13
Premier document review and timing
Missouri service takes 24–48 hours; other-state service typically takes 5–7 business days. We confirm the estimate for your document and submission route. Federal timing is confirmed after document review. Shipping time is additional. These are Premier service estimates, not government guarantees.
Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM CST. By appointment only.
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