Welcome to Apostille Direct London, your trusted specialist for birth certificate apostille legalisation. Whether you need your UK birth certificate certified for use overseas quickly, or you require a secure electronic apostille, our experienced team will handle everything professionally and efficiently.

We work directly with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and offer a walk-in service from our central London office, opposite Charing Cross Station.

What Is a Birth Certificate Apostille? (H2)

A birth certificate apostille is an official government certificate issued under the 1961 Hague Convention. It authenticates the UK-issued birth certificate so that it will be recognised and accepted in other member countries without the need for further embassy legalisation.

An apostilled birth certificate is commonly required for:

• Visa and immigration applications abroad
• Dual citizenship or nationality applications
• Overseas marriage registration
• International adoption proceedings
• Overseas school or university enrolment
• Foreign inheritance or probate matters
• Residency applications in EU and Hague Convention countries

Which Birth Certificates Can Be Apostilled? (H2)

We can arrange an apostille for the following types of UK-issued birth certificates:

• Full birth certificates issued by the General Register Office (GRO)
• Short-form birth certificates (where accepted by the receiving country)
• Certified copies of entries from local register offices
• Re-issued or replacement birth certificates

If your birth certificate was issued in England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, we can process it. Please contact us if you have any doubts about whether your certificate qualifies.

Our Birth Certificate Apostille Services (H2)

Next Working Day Apostille (H3)

Our most popular option. Submit your birth certificate before 11:15 a.m. on a working day and it will be ready by 2:45 p.m. the following working day. This service includes certification by a qualified Solicitor, Notary Public, or Commissioner for Oaths registered with the FCDO.

Same Day Apostille – Emergency (H3)

In urgent cases, we can apply for an emergency same day apostille, subject to FCDO pre-approval. This must be arranged before 4:00 p.m. on the previous working day. Availability is limited and cannot be guaranteed in every case. Contact our team to check eligibility.

E-Apostille – Electronic Apostille (H3)

We offer secure electronic apostilles for birth certificates using Advanced Electronic Signatures by our qualified solicitors or notaries. E-apostilles are accepted in most Hague Convention countries and can often be completed the same day, depending on FCDO processing times.

How the Process Works (H2)

1. Bring or send your original birth certificate to our London office
2. Our team assesses the document and confirms the correct service
3. We certify the document with a qualified Solicitor or Notary (if required)
4. We submit the document to the FCDO on your behalf
5. We return your apostilled birth certificate by hand, post, or courier

Walk-in: No appointment needed. Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Postal: Send by Royal Mail Special Delivery. We return securely once processed. International: We use DHL Express and FedEx Priority for worldwide returns.

Why Choose Apostille Direct for Your Birth Certificate? (H2)

• Next working day apostille guaranteed
• Walk-in service – no appointment required
• Qualified solicitors and notaries on site
• Secure electronic apostille option available
• Competitive and transparent pricing
• UK-wide and international postal service
• Trusted by individuals, solicitors, and embassies across London

Frequently Asked Questions (H2)

Do I need the original birth certificate or can I use a copy? (H3)

In most cases, the FCDO requires an original or certified copy of the birth certificate. A simple photocopy is not sufficient. We can advise you on what is needed for your specific destination country.

How long does the birth certificate apostille take? (H3)

Our standard service is next working day. Same day options are available in limited circumstances and are subject to FCDO approval.

Will the apostille be accepted in my country? (H3)

Apostilles are accepted in all countries that are signatories to the 1961 Hague Convention. This includes most European countries, the USA, Australia, UAE, and many more. Contact us if you are unsure whether your destination country is a member.

Can I get an apostille for a birth certificate issued in Scotland or Northern Ireland? (H3)

Yes. We process birth certificates issued in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. The procedure is the same regardless of which part of the UK issued the certificate.

What if my birth certificate is old or damaged? (H3)

If your certificate is worn or faded, you may need to obtain a replacement certified copy from the General Register Office before we can proceed. We can advise you on the best approach.

Get Your Birth Certificate Apostille Today (H2)

Apostille Direct London is located opposite Charing Cross Station at Room 102, Golden Cross House, 8 Duncannon Street, Westminster, London, WC2N 4JF.

Walk in Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. – no appointment needed.

For enquiries, contact us at hello@apostille-direct.london or call 0203 297 8766.