Which UK Documents Need an Apostille?

Not all UK documents need an apostille — only documents intended for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. This guide explains which documents commonly need an apostille and which countries require them.

Which Countries Require an Apostille?

An apostille is required when a UK document will be used in a country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. This includes all EU member states, the USA, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Brazil, Mexico, and over 100 other countries.

If the destination country is not a member of the Apostille Convention, a different process — full legalisation — may be required. This involves authentication by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the destination country’s embassy.

Common UK Documents That Need Apostilles

The UK documents most commonly apostilled include:

• Birth certificates — for overseas residency, citizenship, and marriage applications
• Marriage certificates — for overseas name changes, residency, and spousal benefits
• Death certificates — for overseas probate and inheritance
• Degree certificates — for overseas employment and professional registration
• DBS/ACRO certificates — for overseas employment and residency applications
• Company documents — for overseas business registration and banking

Do You Need Both an Apostille and a Translation?

This is one of the most common questions. The short answer: an apostille and a translation serve different purposes and you may need both, one, or neither depending on the situation.

An apostille authenticates that the document is a genuine UK public document. A certified translation makes the content of that document understandable to the receiving authority. If the receiving authority needs to verify both the document’s authenticity and its content, you need both. See our guide on when you need both an apostille and translation.

Documents That Do Not Need Apostilles

Private documents — contracts, letters, employment records — generally cannot be apostilled unless they have been signed by a solicitor or notary. If you need to authenticate a private document for overseas use, consult a UK notary.