Notarisation, Legalisation and the Apostille Stamp

FAQs

University of Sunderland Academic Services Guidance on Notarisation, Apostille Stamps and Legalisation

What is notarisation?

Notarisation is the legal form of certification, to certify that a document or signature is authentic.

The following link details all the active Notaries in the area as well as some useful information on the services.

http://www.thenotariessociety.org.uk/find-a-notary 

 

What is legalisation and the apostille stamp?

Legalisation is the process by which the Foreign and Commonwealth Office attaches an apostille (certificate) to a UK public document. Legalisation is the official confirmation that a signature, seal or stamp on a public document is genuine. It does not authenticate the content of the document. Legalisation is usually required by foreign authorities before they will allow a UK document to be used for official purposes in their country. The UK does not require any documents to be legalised for use within the UK.

Where do I apply for one?

The Legalisation Office of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is the only competent authority to issue apostille stamps in the UK, and you should visit the FCO website for details of how to apply: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/what-we-do/services-we-deliver/legal-services/Legalisation/ 

Do I need to do anything with my degree certificate before I send it?

Please note that in order for the FCO to issue an apostille stamp for a degree certificate, the FCO has specific rules for the documentation you send them, which can be found at the website below: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/what-we-do/services-we-deliver/legal-services/Legalisation/030-Links/030-documents-we-can-legalise/Rule-4-Educational 

The FCO can legalise original certificates of UK academic qualifications if they have been certified in the UK by a practising UK solicitor or notary public OR they have been signed and certified by an official of the British Council.

The FCO can legalise photocopies of certificates of UK academic qualifications if they have been certified as a true copy of the original in the UK by a practising UK solicitor or notary public OR they have been certified as a true copy of the original by an official of a British diplomatic mission (e.g. Consulate, Embassy or High Commission).

You can find a list of UK solicitors and notaries public, and advice on what you need to do, here: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/about-us/what-we-do/services-we-deliver/legal-services/Legalisation/030-Links/021-FAQ/010-Solicitor-Cert