Provider of Apostille services in Hertfordshire & Bedfordshire

The Hague Apostille or Apostille, is an independent sheet of paper that is issued in the UK by the FCDO (Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office) that verifies the authenticity of the document it is attached to. It will show a signature, seal and emboss that guarantees its legality. This process was introduced by the “Hague Convention” replacing the previous long and often costly legalisation process.

Official documents issued by the government, e.g. original Birth/Death/Marriage/Civil partnership certificates issued by the General Registrar’s office. These must have an original signature, stamp, seal or be a certified copy issued by the department. Alternatively, documents can be certified by a Notary Public or Solicitor e.g. degree certificates or passport copies.

When a document doesn’t have the stamp of an official recognised body, it will need to be signed by a solicitor or notary before a UK Apostille can be granted. 2E will arrange this for you ensuring the document is legalised i.e. receive apostille as per your requirements. Notarization can only be done by a notary public. 

For countries that aren’t part of The Hague Convention, you may need to get your document certified by that country’s embassy in London.

The price for certification varies by country as each embassy charges differently for this service. Different embassies also have certain stipulations about how documents need to be presented for certification.

Obtaining embassy certification can be a bureaucratic and slow process but with 2E’s experienced experts we can guide you seamlessly through what might otherwise be a tedious and frustrating experience.

An early indication of the costs can usually be given in advance but so that we can establish the charges please tell us the following: 

• Which country they are to go to
• What service you need – witnessing signatures, certifying copy documents, obtaining Apostille etc
• The type of documents concerned – for instance is it a Power of Attorney that you need witnessing
• Who is signing or presenting the documents – are they personal papers or for a Company?
• How many documents there are

Each person whose signature they are to certify must provide one of the following original identification documents at the time of the appointment:

• Passport 
• Driving licence (with photo card) 
• National identity card (EEA state members)
• An armed forces pass (with photo and signature) 
• Firearms licence (with photo and signature) 
• Other government issue ID (with photo and signature)
• Residence permit
• Benefit book or original notification letter from Benefits Agency
  

In addition, they require proof of residence, which can be one of the following original documents:

• Bank statement or letter from bank
• Utility bill or council tax bill (not mobile phone bill) 
• Tenancy agreement or Housing Association rent card
• Inland revenue tax demand or self assessment statement 
  

When a Notary Public is acting for a corporate client, evidence of the due incorporation of the company or entity is required. This can be one of the following documents:

• Extract from the company register 
• Certificate of incorporation 
• Latest report and audited accounts 
• Up to date certified copy of partnership agreement 
• Evidence of being regulated by a regulatory body such as the Law Society or FSA