Apostille Certificate: What is this Document About?

An Apostille Certificate is a legal or official certificate issued to documents, in order for such documents to be recognized in member states with no further legislation. Typically, this certificate is issued by the originating state of the document; however, another state can issue the Apostille in some cases.

Provided a document has had an Apostille attached to it as a proof of the genuineness of signatures and seals it contains, such document can be presented to any country that recognizes the Apostille. In essence, the authorities who are the recipients of the document are to accept the seals or signatures in the document as true and authentic without asking for further proof or evidence.

An Apostille Certificate issued in the United Kingdom will be accepted in certain countries with no further legalisation. Such countries are also Apostille Countries. In some cases, even countries not listed as Apostille Countries may still accept the Apostille; however, in certain cases, they may require further legislation to validate signature or seals contained in the document.

The Apostille follows a stipulated format which must of necessity include the following information; Country of issue, who performed the signing of the document, the capacity or position in which the person signed the document, particulars of any seal on the document, place of issue, Date of issue, the issuing authority, Apostille Certificate number, Issuing authority’s stamp.

Available Services in Supplying an Official UK Apostille Certificate

There are services being offered at various levels based on the service recipient’s need and document type which requires legalisation. Such services can be rendered as regarding further legislation through relevant embassies. This legalisation is an additional one and is sometimes called Super Legalisation; therefore, the process, costs and timescale will vary from one embassy to another.

Services of varying speeds are also offered; this is a form of express service. For those who have urgent request, same-day services can be provided.

Tier 1 Apostille

Certain documents can be legalised with an Apostille with no further official certification required. These types of documents come under tier 1 service. The set standard timeline for this category of documents is five business days; however, it may be extended a bit during peak periods.

Tier 2 Apostille

In a case where your document needs further certification prior to the Apsotille Certificate arrangement, then the document is brought under the Tier 2 service. The documents under this category may be extended a business day longer than the first tier.

Issues of Multiple Documents

It could be feasible to get multiple documents legalised under a single Apsotille Certificate; this offers substantial savings; however, an additional charge may be needful to carry out this service, but savings on the cost of multiple Apostille being issued will still be achieved.

Services Pertaining to Super Legalisation

When documents to be presented in countries that are not Apostille Countries are involved, further Legalisation may be necessary; the services on tier 1 or tier 2 may be applicable, plus the arrangement of further legalisation.

About the Author:

Mark Wheeler is the author of this article on Apostille Certificate. Find more information about Apostille Service here.