If you need to use your UK birth certificate abroad (for work, marriage, study or residency) it must be legalised with an Apostille. This confirms that your document is genuine and recognised internationally under the Hague Apostille Convention.
In this complete guide, we’ll explain:
- How to get a certified copy of your UK birth certificate from the General Register Office (GRO)
- The difference between short and long version certificates
- How to apply for an Apostille through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
- The costs, timelines, and rules around Crown Copyright
What Is an Apostille?
An Apostille is an official certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) that authenticates the signature, seal, or stamp on a UK public document. It ensures your document is legally valid for use in any of the 120+ countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Learn more about Apostille Legalisation Services with Westminster Legalisation Services.
Short vs Long version Birth Certificates: Which One Can Be Apostilled?
The UK Registry Offices issue two main types of birth certificates:
- Short Version Certificate – lists only the child’s name, date, and place of birth.
- Long Version (Full) Certificate – includes parents’ details as recorded in the original register.
Although both certificates are official UK public documents, only the long (full) version certificate is accepted internationally. Foreign authorities (including embassies, immigration offices, and universities) usually require documents that identify both parents to establish legal parentage, nationality, and family connections.
The short certificate, while it can be Apostilled by the FCDO, is often rejected overseas because it does not contain parental details.
✅ In summary:
- The long certificate can be Apostilled and recognised abroad.
- The short certificate can be Apostilled but is not accepted internationally.
If you only have a short version certificate, order a long (full) version before beginning the Apostille process through the General Register Office.
Why Notaries and Solicitor Cannot Certify Copies of UK Birth Certificates
Many clients ask:
“Why won’t a notary or solicitor issue a certified copy of my birth certificate?”
The reason is Crown Copyright.
Under Section 163 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, UK birth, marriage, and death certificates — along with any government seals, signatures, or stamps — are protected by Crown Copyright. Reproducing these documents (including photocopying or scanning them) for certification is a civil offence.
This means that notaries and solicitors cannot legally create certified copies of UK-issued birth certificates.
Furthermore, the FCDO will refuse to issue an Apostille for any document that breaches Crown Copyright.
You can read the UK Government’s official guidance on Crown Copyright.
How to Get a Certified Copy of a UK Birth Certificate
To Apostille your birth certificate, you must first obtain a certified copy issued by the GRO or your local UK Civil Registry Office — the only body authorised to issue official copies.
The GRO, based in Southport, holds records for all births, deaths, marriages, and civil partnerships registered in England and Wales since 1837.
How to Order from the GRO?
The quickest and most affordable option is to order online via the GRO Online Service: https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/login.asp
You’ll need to register and provide the GRO Index Reference for your record. If you don’t know it, the GRO can search on your behalf for an extra £3.50.
Birth Certificate Costs and Timelines (2025)
| Service Type | With Index Reference | Without Index Reference | Delivery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Service (Online) | £12.50 | £16.00 | 4 working days (if index supplied) or 15 days (if not) |
| Priority Service (Online) | £38.50 | £42.00 | Dispatched next working day (if received before 4pm) |
| Additional Copies (Same Order) | £12.50 | £12.50 | Same as main order |
Delivery is via Royal Mail 1st or 2nd Class, or DHL for overseas orders.
Allow up to 15 working days for international delivery.
Pro-tip:
You can use our office’s address as the Delivery Address when ordering the certificate, so the certificate will arrive directly at our office ready to be Apostilled – reducing postage costs and delays.
Delivery Address – Send the original (GRO certified copy) certificate to our office at:
Westminster Legalisation Services LTD (Make sure to include the Company Name)
PO BOX 78648
60 St. Martin’s Lane
London
WC2N 4JS
United Kingdom
How to Apostille a UK Birth Certificate
Once you’ve received your certified long birth certificate, follow these steps:
Step 1: Verify the Registrar’s Signature or GRO seal
Ensure your certificate bears the signature of a registered Superintendent Registrar or the GRO seal, as only these can be verified by the FCDO.
Step 2: Submit for Apostille Legalisation
Send your certificate to a registered Apostille provider like Westminster Legalisation Services (WLS).
We handle the full submission process with the FCDO, ensuring smooth and compliant legalisation.
Request a Birth Certificate Apostille quote
Step 3: Receive Your Apostilled Certificate
You’ll receive your original certificate with an attached Apostille confirming its authenticity.
The Apostille certifies:
- The Registrar’s verified signature or the GRO official seal
- Recognition abroad under the Hague Apostille Convention 1961
When Do You Need a Birth Certificate Apostille?
A birth certificate Apostille is usually required for:
- Visa or immigration applications
- Marriage abroad
- Dual citizenship applications
- Adoption procedures
- University enrolments overseas
If your destination country is not a member of the Hague Convention 1961, you’ll also need Consular Legalisation.
Check which countries are part of the Hague Convention.
Apostille for Gender Recognition and Reissued Certificates
If you’ve been issued a new birth certificate following a Gender Recognition Certificate or legal name change, this reissued certificate can also be Apostilled.
As long as it’s an official certified copy from the GRO, WLS can legalise it for use abroad.
Why Choose Westminster Legalisation Services (WLS)
At Westminster Legalisation Services, we offer:
- FCDO-Registered Apostille Services
- Same-day or Next-day processing (London & Milton Keynes)
- Secure, tracked document handling
- Expert multilingual legal support
We make the legalisation process fast, simple, and fully compliant. Read more About WLS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Apostille a short birth certificate?
Technically, yes — but most foreign authorities will not accept it, as it does not include parents’ details.
We recommend Apostilling the long (full) version certificate for all international purposes.
How much does a GRO birth certificate cost?
A standard online certificate costs £12.50 (or £16.00 if the GRO searches for the index).
A priority service is available for £38.50, with next working day despatch.
How long does it take to Apostille a birth certificate?
With WLS, Express Apostille service takes 1 working if the document is received by 11:15am.
Can a notary or solicitor certify my birth certificate?
No. Due to Crown Copyright, notaries and solicitors cannot certify copies of UK birth, marriage, or death certificates.
Start your legalisation today with our UK Apostille Service.
About the Author: Emerson De Queiroz Barbosa
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