Solicitor Certification for
Apostille & Legalisation
Need documents certified for overseas use?
Get your documents certified by our in-house SRA-certified solicitor whose signature is already registered with the FCDO. We arrange solicitor certification for documents that need apostille or wider overseas consular legalisation, helping you avoid wrong-route submissions, signature queries and unnecessary delays.
SRA Certified Solicitor
Get your documents ready for international use
Solicitor Registered with the FCDO
Fully registered Solicitor: Avoid delays or rejections
Trusted Legalisation Specialists: 20+ Years Experience
WLS is a TOP UK legal services provider registered with the FCDO
Prices excluding VAT
Request Solicitor Pricing
Tell us the document type, destination country, deadline, and whether you also need apostille, embassy legalisation or translation. We will confirm the correct route and pricing.
Excellent service. Saved our lives
“Me and my fiancé needed a document shipping to UK (from Malaysia) to be apostilled and sent back to us in little over a week. WLS went above and beyond and got us our document in time. Friendly staff and they always responded to any question or queries we had. Highly recommend to anyone”
Dan T.
What is Solicitor certification?
Solicitor certification is when a qualified solicitor checks an original document, a copy, or a signature and adds the correct certification wording, signature, date and details. It is commonly used for certified copies documents, passport copies, signatures, affidavits, statutory declarations and selected academic or company documents.
For overseas use, solicitor certification is often one stage in a wider process that may also include Apostille or Consular Legalisation.
Who is Solicitor certification for?
The solicitor certification is for individuals and businesses who need documents prepared for use outside the UK or for institutions that specifically ask for solicitor-certified documents before apostille or consular legalisation.
Typical use cases include:
- Degree certificates, school reports and academic transcripts
- Passport copy certification
- Companies House documents
- HMRC documents
- Selected court documents and certified copies
- Affidavits, signatures and powers of attorney where a solicitor route is acceptable
- Document packs that will also need apostille or consular legalisation
Common type of documents requiring Solicitor certification
Some UK public documents can go straight to apostille in their original form, while other private or copy documents may first need certification by a UK solicitor or notary. Type of documents that are usually required to be certified by a Solicitor:
Educational documents:
- Degree certificates
- School reports
- Academic transcripts
- Professional qualification certificates
- University cover letters
Company documents:
- Companies House document copies.
- HMRC documents (Not ink-signed by an official).
- Board Resolutions
- Power of Attorney
- Supporting business documents for overseas use
Personal and selected legal documents:
- Passport copy
- Driving Licence
- Signatures
- Affidavits and Statutory Declarations
- Powers of attorney where a solicitor route is acceptable
- Selected court document copies like Final Order.
Solicitor Requirements
This service is for documents prepared correctly for use outside the UK or for institutions that specifically ask for solicitor-certified documents before apostille or legalisation.
This service is not designed for:
- Walk-in solicitor jobs for UK use
- UK-only certification requests
- Family law matters
- Divorce
- Financial settlements
- Prenuptial agreements
- Postnuptial agreements
- Domestic violence matters
- Child arrangements matters
- British citizenship applications
- Sponsor visa legal advice
- Civil litigation
- Court representation
- Employment law matters
Solicitor Certification Prices
How much does solicitor certification cost?
Solicitor certification starts from £20.00 + VAT.
How long does solicitor certification take?
Standard turnaround is 1 working day. Same-day is also possible in our Central London Office.
How long does solicitor certification + apostille take?
If you also need apostille, the usual combined turnaround is 1 working day*.
Final bundled pricing depends on the apostille route, delivery method, and whether you also need embassy legalisation or certified translation.
Do all documents need solicitor certification before apostille?
No. Some UK public documents can go straight to apostille in their original form, while other private or copy documents may need solicitor certification or notarisation first. Public documents issued by a court, civil registry or government department can often be legalised directly.
Documents that often do NOT need solicitor certification:
One of the biggest mistakes people make is paying for solicitor certification when the document should be apostilled in its original public form. The direct apostille route is often more suitable for:
- Birth certificates, Marriage certificates, Death certificates
- Ink-signed sealed court documents
- Companies House issued ink-signed by Companies House officer
- Government letters ink-signed by an official
- Some HMRC letters ink-signed by an official
If the document already carries the right public signature or seal, the solicitor step may be unnecessary.
WLS in Numbers
Solicitor certification, notary or direct apostille?
When a solicitor is often the right route
A solicitor is often the right route where the document is:
- a copy document
- a private document
- an academic document
- a company document that is not already ink signed by public official
- a passport copy
- a signature or declaration that does not require notarisation
- going to be used in the Middle East, Asia or some parts of Europe
When a notary may be better
A Notary Public certification is often better where the document is:
- for use in a foreign court
- a power of attorney for overseas property or legal affairs
- a document expressly requiring notarisation
- a complex corporate document for foreign authorities
- part of a jurisdiction-specific overseas legal process
Find out more: Notary vs Solicitor: How to tell if you need a Notary or a Solicitor – Main Differences
When the original public document should go direct
The original public document route is often best where the document is already issued by:
- a UK court
- a public registry
- Companies House
- a government department
- a public official whose signature can be Apostilled directly by the FCDO
Due-diligence matters! This is exactly why WLS checks the document and destination first, rather than proceeding with the same certification step to all clients.
Apostille and solicitor certification. How the process works:
1. Request a quote
Submit the Request a Quote form. Send us the document type, destination country, deadline and whether you also need apostille, consular legalisation or translation.
2. We review the correct route
We check whether your document should be solicitor-certified, notarised or sent for apostille directly in its original public form.
3. Solicitor certification is arranged if appropriate
Where a solicitor route is appropriate, the document is certified by our in-house SRA-regulated solicitor whose signature is already registered with the FCDO.
4. Apostille or consular legalisation can be added
If your destination country requires it, WLS can continue with: Apostille Legalisation, Consular Legalisation or Certified Translation.
5. Return or collection
Once completed, your documents can be returned by courier with worldwide delivery or arranged for collection at one of our offices.
Verification of educational documents (HEDD Verification)
Educational documents often need a more careful route than standard copy certification.
Some authorities only want a certified copy of the degree or transcript. Others require the legal professional to verify the authenticity of the award with the issuing educational institution in the UK. This can be done either by a Solicitor or Notary Public.
HEDD – Higher Education Degree Datacheck
Where this step is required, we can arrange HEDD verification before certification of a degree certificate.
HEDD describes itself as the UK’s official degree verification service, used by universities, embassies and councils. Its institutional involvement removes the need for additional proofs of authenticity.
Where the destination authority accepts both options, we can then proceed with either solicitor certification or notarial certification + HEDD verification.
Countries and Overseas use
International document rules are never one-size-fits-all. The authority receiving the document is the one that decides what is acceptable. In some countries, a solicitor-certified copy is fine. In others, a notary is preferred, or the real issue is whether the document must be apostilled or go through embassy attestation afterwards. That is why we always check whether the receiving authority wants an original, a certified copy, or a document signed by a particular legal professional before anything is submitted.
Country rules for solicitor certification vary by destination and document type. Here are some common country requirements:
- Portugal: solicitor certification or notary certification is accepted for many UK documents, followed by apostille.
- Spain: for educational documents, the key issue is degree authenticity verification with the UK university first. Where accepted by the receiving authority, we can arrange solicitor certification or notary certification.
- China: UK documents for mainland China now usually need apostille, not Chinese consular legalisation. Solicitor or notary public certification is often used for private and academic documents.
- UAE: Solicitor certification is often the first step before apostille and UAE/MoFA attestation for private and corporate documents.
- Italy, France, and most European countries: Degree authenticity verification is required with either solicitor or notary public certification. Once the document is correctly certified, apostille is the main legalisation step.
- Saudi Arabia: For UK educational documents, the Saudi authorities require further attestation by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Education to be accepted by the local authorities in Saudi Arabia. Documents can be submitted electronically by the document holder directly to the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Education.
e-Certification and e-Apostille
We can also arrange electronic solicitor certification and e-Apostille for eligible documents.
Our UK solicitor is registered and able to electronically certify documents using a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES) or Advanced Electronic Signature (AES), which are the recognised electronic signature types required for the UK e-Apostille process.
How does e-certification work?
The document is reviewed and electronically certified by our solicitor using a QES or AES. Once correctly signed, it can be submitted electronically for an FCDO e-Apostille, removing the need for a paper document in suitable cases.
This route can be particularly useful for:
- digitally issued documents
- electronically signed declarations
- powers of attorney
- solicitor-certified copies
- selected company documents
- documents that can be completed entirely electronically
Learn more about the e-Apostille
Is every document suitable for an e-Apostille?
No. Not every document can be electronically certified or issued with an e-Apostille.
Before proceeding, it is essential to confirm:
- whether the document is eligible for electronic certification
- whether a QES or AES can be used for that document type
- whether the FCDO will accept the document for e-Apostille
- whether the receiving authority or destination country accepts an electronic apostille
Some documents may still require a paper solicitor certification and paper Apostille instead.
Check before choosing an e-Apostille
Electronic does not automatically mean faster, cheaper or more widely accepted.
We recommend checking the document and destination country first. We can confirm whether solicitor e-certification + e-Apostille is suitable or whether a traditional paper certification and Apostille is the better option.
Common Questions about Solicitor Certification
Can a solicitor certify documents in the UK?
Yes. GOV.UK states that a document can be certified as a true copy by a professional person such as a solicitor, and some documents for legalisation can also be submitted once they have been certified by a UK notary or solicitor.
Can a solicitor apostille a document?
No. In the UK, the apostille is issued only by the Legalisation Office on behalf of the FCDO. A solicitor can certify a document first where needed, but the apostille itself comes from the FCDO.
Can a certified document be apostilled?
Yes, provided the certification is appropriate for the document type and the signature can be matched or verified by the Legalisation Office. This is why the wording, signature, date and correct professional route matter so much.
How do I get solicitor certification in the UK?
Start by checking what the receiving authority abroad actually wants. Some documents need a certified copy, some need notarisation, and some should go straight to apostille as original public documents. The safest route is to send the document type and destination country for review before paying for certification.
Where can I apply for solicitor certification in the UK?
You can arrange solicitor certification through a regulated solicitor. For regulation checks, the SRA register is the definitive source. For legalisation-linked cases, WLS can review the full route and arrange certification plus apostille or consular legalisation where required.
Can I get solicitor certification online?
Sometimes, but not always. It depends on the document type, whether the original must be seen physically, whether a signature needs witnessing in person, and whether the receiving authority will accept an electronic route. We recommend checking the route before assuming online certification is suitable.
What is solicitor passport certification?
Usually, this means a solicitor certifies a copy of your passport as a true copy of the original. It does not mean the passport itself is altered or certified as an original public document. Passport copy certification is commonly used in legalisation packs, overseas applications and supporting ID bundles.
How much does solicitor certification cost?
Cost depends on the document, how many documents you have, whether signature witnessing is needed, and whether apostille, embassy legalisation or translation must also be added. If you only need a simple UK-only certified copy, a local high street solicitor may be cheaper. WLS is designed for legalisation-linked cases where getting the route right matters more than getting the cheapest stamp.
What does a solicitor do?
A solicitor is a qualified legal professional in England and Wales who can advise on legal matters, prepare documents, and in appropriate cases certify copies or witness signatures. Under this service, WLS only arranges document certification connected to apostille and legalisation, not general legal advice or wider legal representation.
Need solicitor certification plus apostille or consular legalisation?
Send us the document type, destination country and deadline. We will confirm whether solicitor certification is the correct route, whether the original should go direct to apostille, or whether a notary is more appropriate.
Request Solicitor Certification Quote
Check Country Requirements
What time must documents be submitted for Solicitor Certification?
- Documents can be submitted during WLS Opening Hours.
- Allow 1 working day for simple solicitor certifications.
- Allow up to 15 working days if verification award is required for educational documents.
What time must documents be submitted for Solicitor Certification and next-day Apostille service?
- Next-Day Express Apostille + Solicitor: Documents must arrive by 10:30 AM at our London office.
Documents received after these cut-off times are processed the next eligible day.
Can a foreign document be legalised with a UK Apostille?
Yes — but only if:
- A UK solicitor or notary has verified the authenticity with the issuing foreign authority.
- A cover certificate must be attached confirming: “The authenticity has been verified with the issuing authority abroad and the document is genuine and authentic.”
- A simple photocopy is certified by a UK solicitor or notary public.
The FCDO will only Apostille foreign documents if these conditions are met.
Can WLS assist with further consular or embassy legalisation?
Absolutely, we offer a full range of Consular Attestation Services. Once the FCDO Apostille is completed, we can handle:
- Embassy legalisation
- Consulate processing
- Arab-British and London Chamber of Commerce stamping
We also offer collection from our London office or international despatch.
Why choose Westminster Legalisation Services?
- FCDO-Registered provider
- Offices in London and Milton Keynes
- Daily submissions to the UK Legalisation Office
- Multilingual lawyers and legal experts
- SRA Regulated Solicitor with a Valid Practicing Certificate and FCDO Signature Registration
- Fast, secure handling of personal and corporate documents
- Hundreds of 5-Star reviews on Google and Trustpilot
- Team formed by lawyers with 20+ years experience.
Learn more about us: About Westminster Legalisation Services
FAQs
The main difference is that solicitors provide domestic legal advice and representation, whereas notaries public specialise in certifying, authenticating and witnessing documents for use overseas.
- Solicitors advise on UK law, draft contracts, handle conveyancing, wills, litigation and client disputes.
- Notaries verify signatures, administer oaths and prepare notarial certificates to ensure foreign authorities accept your documents.
You need a notary public whenever a document must be formally authenticated for use abroad.
- Examples include powers of attorney for overseas transactions, affidavit or statutory declarations for foreign courts, and corporate documents for incorporation overseas.
- If you only require UK legal advice or court representation, a solicitor alone will usually suffice.
Documents requiring notarisation are those destined for foreign jurisdictions that insist on certified authenticity.
- Common examples: powers of attorney, affidavits, statutory declarations, certified translations, corporate certificates (e.g. board resolutions, articles of association).
- After notarisation you may also need an Apostille or legalisation stamp, depending on the destination country.
Solicitors handle any document or matter governed by UK law, including those not needing overseas certification.
- Typical work: property sale and purchase, drafting wills, divorce petitions, employment contracts and commercial agreements.
- They also represent clients in UK courts and tribunals.
Yes – many solicitors obtain additional qualifications to become notaries public.
- They must pass the Faculty Office’s examinations and meet character requirements.
- This dual qualification allows them to advise on UK law and notarise documents for international use.
Most standard documents can be notarised during a single appointment, often within 15–30 minutes once you attend.
- If you require an Apostille or embassy legalisation, allow an extra 2–5 working days for processing.
- Complex corporate documents may need advance preparation or appointment slots.
Yes – notaries work by appointment only to ensure they verify identity, certify originals and witness signatures properly.
Contact your chosen notary’s office to arrange a convenient slot and to confirm which documents and ID you must bring.
Notarial acts are recognised in most jurisdictions, but acceptance depends on additional formalities.
Many countries demand an Apostille (under the 1961 Hague Convention) or embassy/legalisation stamp.
Always check the specific requirements of the foreign authority before you proceed.
Check the legalisation guidelines per country.
Standard notarial fees typically range from £80 to £150 plus VAT per document, but can vary by complexity and location.
Additional costs: travel, document preparation, Apostille (£60–£80) or embassy/legalisation fees.
Always ask for a full fee estimate before booking.
Solicitor fees vary widely: for document certification, the rate starts at £50 + VAT. Hourly rates usually start around £150 + VAT, rising to £300 + VAT for specialist work.
Many firms offer fixed fees for conveyancing, wills and straightforward matters.
Always obtain a clear costs estimate and enquire about disbursements (Apostille, searches, counsel, notarisation, international legalisation, etc.).
Absolutely – if a solicitor is also qualified as a notary you can have a document drafted, certified and witnessed all in one place.
This simplifies the process and ensures consistency between the legal advice and the notarial act.
Yes – both professions carry compulsory professional indemnity cover to protect clients against negligence.
Notaries hold separate insurance to cover their distinct notarial practice.
Notary services typically cost more because they involve international legalisation and carry additional responsibilities – Notary costs can vary around £80-£150.
