At First Law Solicitors, we prepare and certify documents for Apostille applications through the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). Our solicitors ensure that your documents meet all legal and procedural requirements before they are submitted for official legalisation.
We provide a clear, efficient service for both private and business clients, ensuring that each document is correctly certified and ready for international use.
An Apostille confirms that a document issued or certified in the United Kingdom is genuine. It is attached by the FCDO and recognised by countries that are members of the Hague Convention of 1961.
Before the Apostille can be issued, most documents must first be certified by a solicitor or notary public. Our solicitors check that your documents are suitable for legalisation, verify their authenticity, and apply the correct solicitor certification wording to satisfy FCDO standards.
Common documents requiring certification include birth, marriage and academic certificates, company records, court orders, Powers of Attorney, and statutory declarations.
We take care of every step in preparing your documents for Apostille legalisation. Our solicitors review the original documents, confirm what type of certification is required, and ensure that they meet the FCDO’s format and signature criteria.
Where solicitor certification is needed, we examine the original document to confirm its authenticity and completeness. We then certify either the copy or the original document using an appropriate solicitor statement. We also ensure that the signature, seal and wording comply fully with the FCDO’s submission requirements.
Once certified, your document can either be submitted directly to the FCDO by you or processed by our firm as part of a managed Apostille application.
We also assist with multi-document or multi-jurisdiction submissions, where certain documents must be legalised by both the FCDO and a foreign embassy or consulate.
Since 2025, the FCDO has accepted digitally certified documents under the Digital Verification Services (DVS) framework. Our solicitors use secure digital tools and Qualified Electronic Signatures (QES) to certify and verify documents in accordance with current legal and evidentiary standards.
For clients based outside the United Kingdom, we offer remote witnessing through secure video conferencing. This service allows us to witness and certify your documents digitally while maintaining compliance with the updated Electronic Identification and Trust Services standards introduced in 2025.
Our digital certification process ensures that your documents meet the high evidentiary standards required for both domestic and international recognition.
All documents and personal information are handled in accordance with UK GDPR and the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025, under the supervision of the Information Commission (formerly the ICO). Originals are checked and returned immediately, and all certified copies are stored securely within our digital record system.
We maintain full confidentiality at every stage, ensuring that your legalisation process is safe, traceable and fully compliant with professional and regulatory requirements.
At First Law Solicitors, we combine legal accuracy with practical efficiency. We understand that Apostille certification often forms part of time-sensitive applications for business, immigration, study or personal matters abroad.
Our solicitors provide fast, reliable certification, clear communication and complete transparency on process and requirements. We ensure that your documents are prepared correctly the first time, saving you delays and unnecessary rejections.
If you need your documents certified for Apostille legalisation, contact First Law Solicitors today. We offer quick appointments, remote support and secure digital certification for clients across the United Kingdom and overseas.
Call +44 161 768 9908
Complete our secure online enquiry form to arrange your consultation.
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