APOSTILLE FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM
Apostille Services for the United Kingdom
Moving to the UK, marrying there, buying property, settling an estate or setting up a company? The United Kingdom accepts apostilles, so most U.S. documents need only one certificate. We prepare them in Boston and ship them to you, your solicitor or the receiving office.
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THE UNITED KINGDOM AT A GLANCE
Hague Convention member
A single apostille replaces consular legalization.
- Visas and immigration
- Property and probate
- Company documents
- No translation needed for English documents
How documents for the UK work
Documents we prepare for the United Kingdom
- Birth, marriage and divorce records for visas and marriage
- FBI background checks
- Powers of attorney for property and banking
- Death certificates and probate documents for UK estates
- Diplomas and transcripts
- Corporate documents, good standing and resolutions for UK companies
What the United Kingdom usually requires
| Document | Where the apostille comes from | What else to plan for |
|---|---|---|
| Birth, marriage or divorce record | Secretary of the Commonwealth or issuing state | Certified copy |
| FBI background check | U.S. Department of State | Follow the receiving office's instructions |
| Power of attorney | Secretary of the Commonwealth, after notarization | Your solicitor may provide the form |
| Corporate documents | Issuing state | Certified copies or notarized certificates |
Requirements change and can differ by consulate, city and purpose. Always confirm the exact requirements with the office receiving your documents. We are glad to review any instructions you have received.
Ready to get started?
Tell us what you need, and we will take care of every step.
How we handle it
- 1
Share the recipient's requirements
Send us the list or email you received from the consulate, school, employer or attorney. We will review it and confirm exactly what each document requires.
- 2
We prepare each document
Certified copies, notarization by appointment or retrieval of records you do not yet have.
- 3
Apostilles from the right offices
Massachusetts documents go to the Secretary of the Commonwealth, other states' documents to the issuing state and federal documents, such as FBI checks, to the U.S. Department of State.
- 4
Shipping to you or your solicitor
We arrange certified translation when needed, then ship everything with tracking, either to you or directly abroad.
Good to know
Working with a UK solicitor
Solicitors often send precise instructions. Forward them to us, and we will follow them exactly.
Probate in England and Wales
Estates with U.S. heirs often need apostilled death certificates and sworn statements. See Affidavits.
Companies
UK subsidiaries often need good standing and resolutions. See Good Standing.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
Rules can differ by part of the UK. Tell us where the document is going.
Common reasons clients need documents for the UK
Visas and settlement
Birth, marriage and divorce records when the Home Office or your adviser asks for them.
Marrying in the UK
Proof of identity, divorce decrees and other documents the register office requests.
Buying property
Powers of attorney and identity documents for your solicitor.
UK probate
Death certificates, wills and sworn statements for estates with U.S. heirs or assets.
Company formation and banking
Good standing, resolutions and officer certificates for UK subsidiaries and bank accounts.
Study and work
Degrees and transcripts for universities and employers.
Not sure which service you need?
Send us the details, and we will confirm the right route before you commit.
Common mistakes we help you avoid
- Assuming everything needs an apostille. Many UK requests don't. Ask your solicitor.
- Sending a photocopy. An apostille needs a certified copy or a properly notarized document.
- Ignoring your solicitor's instructions. UK solicitors often specify exactly how a document must be signed and witnessed.
- Uncertified court documents. Divorce and probate documents must be certified by the court.
- A state apostille on an FBI check. FBI checks need the federal apostille.
Working with UK solicitors and companies
What to have ready
- Your solicitor's or the receiving office's instructions
- The document, unsigned if it needs notarizing
- Valid photo ID for every signer
- Where the originals should be sent in the UK
- Your deadline
We'll confirm every step before your appointment.
Official sources
Requirements change, and the receiving office always has the final word. We link to official sources so you can verify the current rules yourself.
Frequently asked questions
Does the UK accept apostilles?
Yes. The UK has been part of the Apostille Convention since 1965.
Do I need a translation?
Usually not for English-language U.S. documents.
Can you ship directly to my solicitor?
Yes, with tracking.
Can you notarize documents a UK solicitor sent me?
Yes, at your home or office, then apostille them if required.
Do you handle UK company documents for U.S. parents?
Yes. We notarize and apostille resolutions, officer certificates and good standing certificates.
Is an apostille the same as UK "legalisation"?
For U.S. documents going to the UK, when a UK office asks for legalisation, it usually means an apostille. Confirm with them.
Can you notarize for several family members for a UK estate?
Yes, in one visit or separately.
How long does it take?
Massachusetts apostilles are often completed quickly once documents are signed. Federal and out-of-state documents take longer. We give you a realistic estimate up front.
Do UK banks accept apostilled U.S. documents?
Usually, when they ask for authentication. Many accept notarized copies without an apostille. Ask your bank.
Can you certify a copy of my passport for a UK bank or solicitor?
Yes, if you bring the original. See Certified Copies.
Do you work with clients outside Massachusetts?
Yes. Clients mail us documents from across the U.S., and we coordinate apostilles from all 50 states.
Can you ship to Scotland or Northern Ireland?
Yes, anywhere in the UK, with tracking.
Sending documents to the United Kingdom?
Tell us about the documents, their purpose and your deadline, and we will outline every step.