Legalisation - Apostille

What is Legalisation?

Legalisation simply means confirming that a signature, seal or stamp appearing on a document is genuine.

Why Documents need to be Legalised

The signatures or seals of British public officials (such as solicitors, notaries public, registrars) on certain documents like Powers of Attorney and Certificates of Good Standing from the United Kingdom have to be confirmed before those documents can be accepted overseas.

Important Information

Photocopies of any documents must be true copies of the original and signed by a British practicing solicitor or notary public. Make sure the solicitor signs his or her own name, and not the company's name.

If they attach an apostille or legalisation certificate to a document, it only confirms that the signature, seal or stamp on the document is genuine. It does not mean that the contents of the document are correct or that the Foreign & Commonwealth Office approves of the contents. However, in certain cases, UK courts may need to confirm the signatures on documents presented to them.

Authenticating and Legalising Documents

• The Department of Foreign Affairs can authenticate documents executed for use in other countries.
• Authenticating a document means verifying the signature of the person and/or the seal or stamp it bears.
• Legalising the document means authenticating it for the purpose of making it acceptable in a court.
• The apostille or legalisation certificate attached to the document, confirms that the signature, seal or stamp on the document is genuine.

Occasionally a notary public is asked to notarise documents destined for use in foreign countries.