The type of solicitor certification
The type of solicitor certification depends on the document and its intended purpose. Common types include:
- Certified copy – confirms that a copy is a true and accurate reproduction of the original document.
- Certified original – confirms the authenticity of the original document.
- Signature witnessing – confirms that the solicitor witnessed the document being signed, using phrases such as “signed in my presence” or “witnessed by.”
For Apostille purposes, it is essential that the certification is completed correctly:
- The solicitor must sign in their own name, not the firm’s name.
- The date must be clearly shown.
- The wording must match the document type and its intended use.
Incorrect or incomplete certification is one of the most common reasons for FCDO rejection.
Why do documents need solicitor certification?
When applying for an apostille in the UK, certain documents must first be certified by a solicitor before they can be accepted by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Solicitor certification verifies the authenticity of the document and ensures it meets UK legalisation requirements. Without proper certification, the FCDO will reject the application, and the document cannot be legalised.
Documents that require solicitor certification
Some documents need to be checked and certified by a UK solicitor because they are not typically signed by a recognised public authority. Common examples include:
- Company registration documents and business contracts
- Academic certificates, diplomas, and transcripts
- Personal legal documents, such as powers of attorney or affidavits
Solicitor or Notary Public certification requirements
Documents submitted for Apostille or legalisation must be certified by a UK solicitor or notary public.
When the solicitor or notary public signs the document, they must:
- Hold a valid practising certificate.
- Sign the document in the UK.
- Use their personal handwritten signature, not a company or digital signature.
- Print their full name and business address clearly.
- Include their official seal (if applicable) — for embossed seals, the embossing must go through the paper and be visible on both sides of the document.
- Add the date of certification.
- Clearly state the action taken, for example: “I certify this is a true copy of the original document”, or “I witnessed this signature.”
The solicitor or notary’s signature must be an original, hand-written signature.
Photocopies, scans, or digital reproductions of signatures cannot be accepted by the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office).
Signature registration with the FCDO
If your documents have already been certified by a Solicitor or Notary Public, it is important to check whether their signature is registered with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). You can confirm this directly with your Solicitor or Notary Public. If the signature is not yet registered, we can assist with the registration process. Contact us by email or phone, and our team will be happy to guide you through the steps.
We are not responsible if documents are incorrectly certified by an external legal official. However, if our in-house solicitor completes the certification, we will ensure it is done correctly, as they are registered with the FCDO.
Have questions?
Do you have questions about solicitor certification? Our experienced specialists are here to provide clear guidance and support at every step — from preparing your documents to obtaining official certification from a qualified solicitor. With years of expertise in solicitor-certified documents, we’ve helped individuals, families, and businesses quickly and securely certify their documents for international use. Whether you need certification for personal, academic, or corporate purposes, our team ensures your paperwork meets all UK legal requirements and is fully recognised abroad.
