10 October 2022

What is an e-Apostille?

The e-Apostille offers an easier and quicker alternative to its paper counterpart.

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

An electronic apostille, or e-apostille, means that the authentication of your document is carried out electronically, and not in paper form, with an electronic signature and date. The document can then be verified online at an e-Registry.

The e-apostille was introduced in late 2022 by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The introduction of the electronic apostille is intended to make the process of getting an apostille faster and more environmentally friendly, as well as safeguarding against forgeries. It takes up to two working days to get an e-apostille, while a paper-based apostille takes up to five days, with courier and postage time added on as well.

PLEASE NOTE: this is not a service we can directly assist you with. You will have to upload the documents to be given an e-apostille yourself by using the Government’s website.

Before you apply

Nations around the globe who are already party to the Apostille Convention, have chosen to adopt this new form of apostille. However, not every country that is part of the Apostille Convention has chosen to use it. Some countries will just not accept digital versions of documents.

For this reason, Woodcock Law & Notary Public recommends that you research the country you intend to use your document(s) in.

We are always happy to help, and offer free consultations to give you the chance to get your questions answered by an expert with no charge.

Please note that the following documents are unable to have a electronic Apostilles attached to them:

Any General Register Office (GRO) documents, such as birth, death, marriage, civil partnership and adoption certificates
ACRO police certificates
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certificates
Fingerprint certificates
Membership certificates for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)

Applying for an e-apostille

Applying for an e-apostille is a fairly simple process. All applications are done online and start in the same way as they would for a paper-based apostille. To apply, you will need to following documents:

The documents you want to legalise
A credit or debit card to pay the fees

As part of your application, your documents will need to be uploaded as PDF files. They will need to be electronically signed by a UK notary.

How we can help

Our team cannot assist you with getting an e-apostille, but they can help you with getting a physical paper one.

First though, your documents will need to be notarised before we can assist you with the apostille process.

Our Notary Public of England and Wales, Nathan Woodcock, can assist you with all of your notary needs. You can either meet him at a place of your own choosing such as your home, or at one of our offices.

Get in touch with us today to discuss your needs with a member of our team.