Navigating international legal requirements can be complex. At Lancasters, we provide comprehensive document certification and apostille services, ensuring your vital documents are legally recognised and accepted worldwide.
What is Document Certification?
Document certification verifies that a copy of an original document is a true and accurate replica. Many organisations, both in the UK and abroad, require certified copies to ensure authenticity without needing to hold your original documents.
Our experienced solicitors can certify a wide range of documents, including:
- Passports and driving licences
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Academic qualifications (degrees, diplomas, certificates)
- Bank statements and utility bills
- Powers of Attorney
- Company documents (e.g., Certificates of Incorporation, Memoranda and Articles of Association)
- Court documents
When certifying a document, our solicitor will:
- Inspect the original document.
- Add a statement confirming it’s a true copy.
- Sign and date the copy.
- Print their name, occupation, address, and contact number.
What is an Apostille?
An Apostille is an official certificate issued by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in the UK. It authenticates the signature, seal, or stamp of a public official (such as a solicitor or notary) on a UK document so that it will be accepted in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
If your document is destined for a country that is a signatory to the Hague Convention, an Apostille simplifies the legalisation process, removing the need for further consular legalisation.
Common documents requiring an Apostille include:
- Birth, Marriage, and Death Certificates
- Educational Certificates
- ACRO Police Certificates
- HMRC documents
- Court documents
- Powers of Attorney
- Company documents
Our Services
We offer a streamlined process for both document certification and apostille services:
- Expert Certification: Our solicitors will meticulously review and certify your documents, adhering to the required standards.
- FCDO Apostille Application: We handle the entire Apostille application process with the FCDO, ensuring your documents are submitted correctly and efficiently.
- Fast Turnaround: While standard FCDO processing can take time, we aim to facilitate prompt processing, including options for express services where available and necessary.
- Comprehensive Advice: We will advise you on the specific requirements for your documents based on the destination country, ensuring you have everything you need.
Why choose Lancasters?
- Experienced Solicitors: Our legal team possesses a deep understanding of document legalisation.
- Efficiency: We aim for a swift and hassle-free service, minimising delays.
- Reliability: You can trust us to handle your sensitive documents with the utmost care and professionalism.
Contact us today to discuss your document certification and apostille needs.
