Overseas governments sometimes need proof that UK documents are genuine before they will accept them. Please confirm requirements with the Embassy or Consulate of the country you are submitting the documents to. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will certify that official signatures, stamps or seals on a document are genuine by checking them against a specimen held on file, and stamping the document with an Authentication or Apostille.

In most cases, documents can be processed in 24 hours (available the next working day). There may be a delay if we do not have a specimen signature on file of the person who has signed your document (this means we will need to verify their signature), or at peak times (such as during university graduation periods).
Contact the Legalisation Office
By telephone:037002244
Hours:12:00 – 16:00pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
By fax: 01908 295 122
By post:
The Legalisation Office
Norfolk House (West)
437 Silbury Boulevard
Milton Keynes
MK9 2AH
Email: LegalisationOffice@fco.gov.uk
Please note that your documents must be signed by a solicitor before getting the Apostille
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