Solicitor certification is one of the most commonly requested document legalisation services we process, usually for documents that need to be apostilled, used overseas, or certified as a true copy. Here’s exactly what the process involves, or start your solicitor certification order directly if you already know what you need.
Why you’d need solicitor certification
Some UK documents cannot be submitted directly for an apostille and may first need to be certified by a UK solicitor or notary public. Solicitor certification confirms that a solicitor has verified or certified the document in the required format, allowing it to proceed to the next stage of legalisation. Common reasons people need one:
- Preparing documents for a UK apostille
- Using documents for official purposes overseas
- Certifying copies of important personal documents
- Preparing educational or professional documents for use abroad
- Legalising commercial or corporate documents internationally
If you’re unsure whether your document requires solicitor certification before obtaining an apostille, our specialists can review your documents and recommend the correct legalisation route before submission.
What you actually need before you start
- Your original document or a copy requiring solicitor certification, depending on the document type.
- Confirmation of which country you are sending the document to and what it will be used for, since different destinations have specific requirements.
If your document isn’t suitable for direct apostille or requires certification first, you may need solicitor certification or another form of document preparation before legalisation, and we can assist you with this.
Documents must meet the relevant UK legalisation requirements before they can be submitted for an apostille. The exact requirements depend on the document type and whether it is a personal, educational, commercial or corporate document.
Choosing the right service for solicitor certification
We offer different ways to prepare and legalise documents for use overseas:
- Solicitor Certification, for documents that need to be certified before they can proceed to apostille or further legalisation.
- E-Certification, for anyone who wants to sign their documents using QES or have our solicitor certify them.
Unlike an apostille alone, solicitor certification is a preparation stage that may be required before certain documents can be submitted for UK legalisation. The correct process depends on the type of document, where it was issued and how it will be used.
If your documents will be used in a country that also requires embassy legalisation, you can learn more about our Embassy Attestation Services.
What the process looks like, start to finish
- Send us your original document or eligible copy requiring certification.
- We check that it meets the requirements for solicitor certification before submission, helping to prevent delays or rejection.
- We arrange the required solicitor certification and any further UK apostille or legalisation on your behalf.
- You receive your certified or fully legalised document back, ready for use with the relevant overseas authority.
If your document also needs to be legalised for use overseas, we can help arrange the appropriate UK apostille or further legalisation after certification. (Link “UK apostille” to: https://apostillesolutions.co.uk/)
FAQs
Some documents require solicitor certification before they can be submitted for an apostille, particularly where the original document cannot be directly legalised. The exact requirements depend on the type of document and the country where it will be used.
Turnaround depends on the document type, certification required and service you choose. Some documents require additional preparation before they can be submitted for an apostille or further legalisation. Current turnaround times and pricing are available on our pricing page.
Not necessarily. Some original UK documents can be submitted directly for an apostille, while others require certification before they can be legalised. We can review your document and intended use to confirm whether solicitor certification is required.
A solicitor-certified document may need further legalisation before it can be accepted by an overseas authority. Requirements vary depending on the document type and destination country. If you are unsure, we recommend checking the requirements before submitting your documents.
Not sure whether your UK document needs solicitor certification, an apostille, or further legalisation? Get in touch for a free document review, or start your solicitor certification order online if you already know what you need.
