Apostille definition – What is an apostille?

The apostille certificate is used to legalise a document for use in another country.

If you are presenting a document that originates from the UK to another country you may be requested to get an apostille for your document. The apostille certificate is a small square certificate that is attached to another document. The apostille confirms that a government form, signature, seal or stamp on a document is genuine.

For example-
A government issued birth certificate may be issued with an apostille.
A document that is signed by a solicitor may be issued with an apostille.
Court stamped documents may be issued with an apostille.
Documents issued with a notary seal may be issued with an apostille.

There are of course exceptions to the above examples. For more information on the type of documents that may be legalised with an apostille certificate please read our documents pages.