Documents Accepted By FCO For Legalisation
Document Types which can be legalised by the FCO in the UK
Below you will find a detailed list of all the documents, which can be legalised by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Only documents issued in the UK or by British Officials abroad will be accepted for processing.
We are FCO registered agents with over 10 years of experience filing legalisation applications on behalf of our clients, which range from international business to private individuals. If you seek a fast and reliable service from a London based company, please contact us for a quote.
ACRO Police Certificate – For Immigration Purposes 
An ACRO Police Certificate can only be legalised if it has been either:
◦ signed by an official from the issuing authority
◦ certified / notarised
A photocopy of the document, even when certified, will not be accepted.
Affidavit
An Affidavit can only be legalised if it has been certified.
Articles Of Association
Articles of association can only be legalised if they have been either:
◦ signed by an official from the issuing authority
◦ certified
A photocopy of the document can only be legalized if it has been certified first.
Memorandum & Articles Of Association are two different documents
Bank Statement
A bank statement can only be legalised if it has been certified.
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Baptism Certificate
A baptism certificate can only be legalised if it has been certified.
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Birth Certificate
A birth certificate can be legalised if it is either:
◦ an official certified copy of the certificate issued by the General Register Office (GRO) with the original seal
◦ an original certificate (or original certified copy) issued by a local register office, with the original signature of the official who issued the certificate
It usually takes longer to legalise a signature on an original certificate, especially if it was issued before 1991. In such cases It might be quicker to order a certified copy of the certificate from the GRO.
A photocopy of the document will not be accepted, even if certified.
Certificate Of Freesale
A certificate of freesale can only be legalised if it has been either:
◦ signed by an official from the issuing authority
◦ certified
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Certificate Of Incorporation
A certificate of incorporation can only be legalised if it has been either:
◦ signed by an official from the issuing authority
◦ certified
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Certificate Of Memorandum
A certificate of memorandum can only be legalised if it has been either:
◦ signed by an official from the issuing authority
◦ certified
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Certificate Of Naturalisation
A certificate of naturalisation can only be legalised if it has been either:
◦ signed by an official from the issuing authority
◦ certified
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Certificate Of No Impediment
A certificate of no impediment can be legalised if it:
◦ is an original certificate (or original certified copy) issued by a local register office
◦ has the original signature of the official who issued the certificate
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
What is a CNI…
Chamber Of Commerce Document
A Chamber of Commerce document can only be legalised if it has been either:
◦ signed by an official from the issuing authority
◦ certified
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Change Of Name Deed
A change of name deed can only be legalised if it has been certified.
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Civil Partnership Certificate
A civil partnership certificate can be legalised if it is either:
◦ an official certified copy of the certificate issued by the General Register Office (GRO) with the original seal
◦ an original certificate (or original certified copy) issued by a local register office, with the original signature of the official who issued the certificate.
It can take longer to legalise a signature on an original certificate, especially if it was issued before 1991, in such cases It might be quicker to order a certified copy of the certificate from the GRO.
A photocopy of the document will not be accepted, even if certified.
Companies House Document
A Companies House document can only be legalised if it has been either:
◦ signed by an official from the issuing authority
◦ certified
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
County Court Document
A county court document must have been issued by either the:
◦ County Court
◦ Court of Bankruptcy
◦ Family Division of the High Court of Justice
◦ High Court of Justice
◦ Sheriff Court
It can only be legalised if it has either:
◦ the original seal or ink stamp of the court
◦ the signature of a court official
◦ been certified
It can take the Legalisation Office longer to legalise a court document that only has a signature. Getting a document certified might make the process quicker.
Court Document
A court document must have been issued by either the:
◦ County Court
◦ Court of Bankruptcy
◦ Family Division of the High Court of Justice
◦ High Court of Justice
◦ Sheriff Court
It can only be legalised if it has either:
◦ the original seal or ink stamp of the court
◦ the signature of a court official
◦ been certified
It can take the Legalisation Office longer to legalise a court document that only has a signature. Getting a document certified might make the process quicker.
Court Of Bankruptcy Document
The Court of Bankruptcy document must have been issued by either the:
◦ County Court
◦ Court of Bankruptcy
◦ Family Division of the High Court of Justice
◦ High Court of Justice
◦ Sheriff Court
It can only be legalised if it has either:
◦ the original seal or ink stamp of the court
◦ the signature of a court official
◦ been certified
It can take the Legalisation Office longer to legalise a court document that only has a signature. Getting the document certified might make the process quicker.
Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Document
A CRB document can only be legalised if it has been either:
◦ signed by an official from the issuing authority
◦ certified
A photocopy of the document will not be accepted, even if certified.
Criminal Records Check
A criminal records check can only be legalised if it has been either:
◦ signed by an official from the issuing authority
◦ certified / notarised
A photocopy of the document will not be accepted, even if certified.
Death Certificate
A death certificate can be legalised if it is either:
◦ an official certified copy of the certificate issued by the General Register Office (GRO) with the original seal
◦ an original certificate (or original certified copy) issued by a local register office, with the original signature of the official who issued the certificate
It can take longer to legalise a signature on an original certificate, especially if it was issued before 1991, in such cases It might be quicker to order a certified copy of the certificate from the GRO.
A photocopy of the document will not be accepted, even if certified.
Decree Absolute
A decree absolute must have been issued by either the:
◦ County Court
◦ Court of Bankruptcy
◦ Family Division of the High Court of Justice
◦ High Court of Justice
◦ Sheriff Court
It can only be legalised if it has either:
◦ the original seal or ink stamp of the court
◦ the signature of a court official
◦ been certified
It can take the Legalisation Office longer to legalise a court document that only has a signature. Getting the document certified might make the process quicker.
Decree Nisi
A decree nisi must have been issued by either the:
◦ County Court
◦ Court of Bankruptcy
◦ Family Division of the High Court of Justice
◦ High Court of Justice
◦ Sheriff Court
It can only be legalised if it has either:
◦ the original seal or ink stamp of the court
◦ the signature of a court official
◦ been certified
It can take the Legalisation Office longer to legalise a court document that only has a signature. Getting the document certified might make the process quicker.
Degree Certificate (UK)
A degree certificate must be awarded by a recognised body, It must also be certified by either:
◦ a solicitor or notary public in the UK
◦ an official of the British Council (only original certificates)
The document may be certified at a British Embassy Overseas.
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Document From The Department Of Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS)
A BIS document can only be legalised if it has been either:
◦ signed by an official from the issuing authority
◦ certified
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Department Of Health Document
A Department of Health document can only be legalised if it has been either:
◦ signed by an official from the issuing authority
◦ certified
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Diploma
A diploma must be issued by an institution that is accredited by either:
◦ Home Office / UK Visa Immigration / UKBA
◦ Scottish Qualifications Authority
◦ OfQual
◦ British Accreditation Council
◦ Open and Distance Learning Quality Council
◦ Association of British Language Schools
It must also be certified, signed and dated by either:
◦ a solicitor or notary public in the UK
◦ an official of the British Council (only original certificates)
The document could also be certified at a British embassy.
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Disclosure Scotland Document
The Disclosure Scotland document can only be legalised if it has been either:
◦ signed by an official from the issuing authority
◦ certified
A photocopy of the document will not be accepted.
Doctor’s Letter (Medical)
A doctor’s letter must be signed by a doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
The document cannot be legalised if it has been signed on behalf of the acting doctor by another doctor or member of staff.
Driving Licence (Copy)
A driving licence can only be legalised if it has been certified.
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Educational Certificate (UK)
An educational certificate must be issued by an institution that is accredited by either:
◦ Home Office / UK Visa Immigration / UKBA
◦ Scottish Qualifications Authority
◦ OfQual
◦ British Accreditation Council
◦ Open and Distance Learning Quality Council
◦ Association of British Language Schools
It must also be certified, signed and dated by either:
◦ a solicitor or notary public in the UK
◦ an official of the British Council (only original certificates)
The document may be certified at a British embassy.
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Export Certificate
An export certificate can only be legalised if it has been certified.
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Document from the Family Division of the High Court of Justice
A court document must have been issued by either the:
◦ County Court
◦ Court of Bankruptcy
◦ Family Division of the High Court of Justice
◦ High Court of Justice
◦ Sheriff Court
It can only be legalised if it has either:
◦ the original seal or ink stamp of the court
◦ the signature of a court official
◦ been certified
It can take the Legalisation Office longer to legalise a court document that only has a signature. Getting the document certified might make the process quicker.
Fingerprints Document
Fingerprints document can only be legalised if it has been either:
◦ signed by an official from the issuing authority
◦ certified
A photocopy of the document will not be accepted, even if certified.
Fit Note (from a doctor)
A fit note must be signed by a doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
The document cannot be legalised if it has been signed on behalf of the acting doctor by another doctor or member of staff.
Government Issued Document
A government issued document can only be legalised if it has been either:
◦ signed by an official from the issuing authority
◦ certified
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Grant Of Probate
A grant of probate must have been issued by either the:
◦ County Court
◦ Court of Bankruptcy
◦ Family Division of the High Court of Justice
◦ High Court of Justice
◦ Sheriff Court
It can only be legalised if it has either:
◦ the original seal or ink stamp of the court
◦ the signature of a court official
◦ been certified
It can take the Legalisation Office longer to legalise a court document that only has a signature. Getting the document certified might make the process quicker.
High Court Of Justice Document
A High Court of Justice document must have been issued by either the:
◦ County Court
◦ Court of Bankruptcy
◦ Family Division of the High Court of Justice
◦ High Court of Justice
◦ Sheriff Court
It can only be legalised if it has either:
◦ the original seal or ink stamp of the court
◦ the signature of a court official
◦ been certified
It can take the Legalisation Office longer to legalise a court document that only has a signature. Getting the document certified might make the process quicker.
HM Revenue & Customs Document
A HM Revenue and Customs document can only be legalised if it has been either:
◦ signed by an official from the issuing authority
◦ certified
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Home Office Document
A Home Office document can only be legalised if it has been either:
◦ signed by an official from the issuing authority
◦ certified
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Last Will & Testament
A last will and testament must have been issued by either the:
◦ County Court
◦ Court of Bankruptcy
◦ Family Division of the High Court of Justice
◦ High Court of Justice
◦ Sheriff Court
It can only be legalised if it has either:
◦ the original seal or ink stamp of the court
◦ the signature of a court official
◦ been certified
It can take the Legalisation Office longer to legalise a court document that only has a signature. Getting the document certified might make the process quicker.
Letter From An Employer
A letter from an employer can only be legalised if it has been certified.
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Letter Of Enrolment
A letter of enrolment can only be legalised if it has been certified.
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Letter Of Invitation
A letter of invitation can only be legalised if it has been certified.
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Letter Of No Trace
A letter of no trace can be legalised if it is either:
◦ an official certified copy of the certificate issued by the General Register Office (GRO) with the original seal
◦ an original certificate (or original certified copy) issued by a local register office, with the original signature of the official who issued the certificate
It can take longer to legalise a signature on an original certificate, especially if it was issued before 1991, in such cases It might be quicker to order a certified copy of the certificate from the GRO
A photocopy of the document will not be accepted, even if certified.
Marriage Certificate
A marriage certificate can be legalised if it is either:
◦ an official certified copy of the certificate issued by the General Register Office (GRO) with the original seal
◦ an original certificate (or original certified copy) issued by a church, religious establishment or local register office, with the original signature of the official who issued the certificate
It can take longer to legalise a signature on an original certificate, especially if it was issued before 1991 – It might be quicker to order a certified copy of the certificate from the GRO.
Non-GRO marriage certificates (eg. Islamic marriage certificates) cannot be legalised unless they are certified first.
A photocopy of the document will not be accepted, even if certified.
Medical Report
A medical report must be signed by a doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
The document cannot be legalised if it has been signed on behalf of acting doctor by another doctor or member of staff.
Name Change Deed Or Document
A name change deed or document can only be legalised if it has been certified.
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Passport (copy only)
A copy of a passport can only be legalised if it has been certified.
Original passports will not be accepted.
Pet Export Document From DEFRA
A pet export document can only be legalised if it has been signed and stamped by a veterinary surgeon registered with the Department of Food and Rural Affairs.
Police Disclosure Document
A police disclosure document can only be legalised if it has been either:
◦ signed by an official from the issuing authority
◦ certified
A photocopy of the document will not be accepted even when certified.
Power Of Attorney
A power of attorney can only be legalised if it has been certified.
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Grant Of Probate
A grant of probate must have been issued by either the:
◦ County Court
◦ Court of Bankruptcy
◦ Family Division of the High Court of Justice
◦ High Court of Justice
◦ Sheriff Court
It can only be legalised if it has either:
◦ the original seal or ink stamp of the court
◦ the signature of a court official
◦ been certified
It can take the Legalisation Office longer to legalise a court document that only has a signature. Getting a document certified might make the process quicker.
Employer Reference
A reference from an employer can only be legalised if it has been certified.
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Religious Document
A religious document can only be legalised if it has been certified.
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Sheriff Court Document
A sheriff court document must have been issued by either the:
◦ County Court
◦ Court of Bankruptcy
◦ Family Division of the High Court of Justice
◦ High Court of Justice
◦ Sheriff Court
It can only be legalised if it has either:
◦ the original seal or ink stamp of the court
◦ the signature of a court official
◦ been certified
It can take the Legalisation Office longer to legalise a court document that only has a signature. Getting a document certified might make the process quicker.
Sick Note (from a doctor)
A sick note must be signed by a doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
The document cannot be legalised if it has been signed on behalf of the acting doctor by another doctor or member of staff.
Statutory Declaration
A statutory declaration can only be legalised if it has been certified.
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Medical Test Results
A test results must be signed by a doctor registered with the General Medical Council.
A document cannot be legalised if it has been signed on behalf of the acting doctor by another doctor or member of staff.
Translation
A translation can only be legalised if it has been certified.
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Utility Bill
A utility bill can only be legalised if it has been certified.
A certified photocopy of the document can also be legalised.
Certifying Documents
When providing a certified document, it must be certified in the UK by a solicitor or ‘notary public’.
When the solicitor or notary public signs the document, they must:
◦ note the type of certification they have done (eg the document is a true copy of the original)
◦ use their personal signature, not a company signature
◦ include the date of certification
◦ include their company address
If they add a notarial certificate, it must be attached to the document. The certificate must also contain a specific reference to the document they have certified.
If a notary public from England, Wales or Northern Ireland signs a document for legalisation, they must also stamp or emboss the document with their notarial seal.
As part of our service we can arrange for the certification of all your documents. For further information or a quote please contact us.