Apostille Passport Copy

Apostille a passport copy in 3 easy steps.

In order to apostille a passport copy, you simply need to follow the 3 basic services as described below. You have the option of have us apostille your document only after the document is solicitor certified/notarised yourself, or alternatively you can also send us your original documents, we can take a copy, have it certified by a solicitor and go onto apostille it at the FCO office. We can offer a 2 day or same day service.

Please select below:

#1

Complete our quick online order form to select the service. Click here to access the form

#2

Send us the order form and the original version of your certification for inspection.

#3

If you require us to certify the original, or a photocopied version to be solicitor certified, then please let us know. Please note we would require the original anyway.

Upon receipt of the documents, we will then have the document certified by our solicitor and then apostilled at the FCO accordingly after this and returned straight back to you

For more information about Apostilling a passport copy, please read below where we have the most common questions answered.

Section 1: Apostille Passport Copy

In the 2018 global rankings of the Henley Passport Index, UK stood at #5, out of all the passports in the world. The ranking was created based on the number of countries the passport holders can travel to visa free.

A British passport is one of the most powerful passports in the world. It not only enables the bearer to travel the world, but also serves as proof of citizenship. However, for this, the passport needs to be legalised with an apostille on it.

Also known as an apostille certificate, this stamp is proof of the authenticity of the document on which it is put. An apostille stamp is recognised by the signatory countries of the Hague Convention of 1961. A treaty signed at this convention abolished the need to legalise foreign public documents. Instead, a certified (attested) copy with an apostille stamp from one country is accepted by other member countries of the Hague Convention.

An apostille stamp eliminates the need for double certification of legal documents, first from the country where it was issues and, second, by the country receiving it.

It is important to know that an apostille stamp is never issued on the actual passport. Instead, an apostille is provided on the copy of the photo page of the passport.

If you are wondering how to get a passport apostilled, here is a quick guide for you.

Section 2: General Queries About Apostilled Copy of Passport

1. Why is an apostille required on your passport copy?

Legal papers like passports, birth/marriage certificates, and other government issued IDs are widely used documents. However, when they need to be presented in another country, different from where the document was issued, questions are likely to arise about the authenticity and validity of the documents. An apostille certifies documents as being genuine.

The apostille certificate was established at the Hague Convention, which abolished the legalisation of foreign documents. Instead, it was decided that the legal document holder would get an apostille stamp to prove that the document is genuine.

A passport is a crucial legal document that serves two major purposes:

1. Helps you gain entry to a foreign country
2. Helps you regain entry to the country of your citizenship

An apostille on the copy of a UK Passport is often requested for identification purposes or prove that you are a UK citizen. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in the UK issues the apostille stamp on different legal documents, including the passport.

2. What information is required to get your passport copy apostilled?

In the UK, there are various legalisation services that can help you get an apostille stamp on UK passports.

You should know that only a certified photocopy of a UK passport can be used for an apostille certificate. Unlike other legal documents, which are legalised in their original form, only photocopies of UK passports are legalised.

UK Apostille on Non-UK passports

You can also use legalisation services in the UK to get an UK apostille on a copy of a non-UK passport. For instance, you can obtain a UK apostille copy of a US passport. However, it is always advisable to get the apostille issued on the passport in the country it has been issued, since there are high risks of rejection when such passport copies are presented overseas.

3. Why would your passport copy require an apostille stamp?

Your passport is a critical document, issued to you by the government of the country that you are a citizen of. The passport certifies the holder’s citizenship and identity.

In order to authenticate UK passports, the holder needs to obtain an apostille stamp on the passport copy from the FCO. Commonly known as the Foreign Office, theForeign and Commonwealth Office(FCO) is the UK body that ensures the worldwide protection and promotion of British interests.

When getting the passport apostilled, there is no need to provide the actual passport. It should be kept safe. Instead, you should scan and email the passport or get a photocopy of the passport, either in black and white or in colour, and send it to the legalisation service.

4. What is the process of getting your passport copy apostilled with RLS?

Rapid Legalisation Service is a London-based apostille service that also offers FCO legalisation and notary services. We have collaborated with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the London Embassies to get documents legalised for our clients. With RLS, the legalisation of documents, including passports, can be achieved conveniently in 3 easy steps:

• Step 1: Fill the Order Form Online: RLS offers a convenient form on their website where you can give your details, including name, email address, phone number, document type, etc., along with the service package you require. You can pay the apostille fee via credit card or a make bank transfer. When making a money transfer, make sure you provide your banking information.
• Step 2: Official Certification: The team at RLS takes on the responsibility of going to the FCO to get an apostille stamp on their clients’ UK passport copies. All you need to do is send them the copy of your UK passport and they’ll get it stamped for you.
• Step 3: Apostilled Document is Issued and Delivered Back to You: Once the photocopy of the UK passport is issued an apostille certificate for a passport (copy only), it will be delivered back to you at your doorstep.

(Note: When placing an order, make sure you provide accurate contact information, in case there is a need to contact you at any stage.)

5. How long does it take to get your passport copy apostille?

Rapid Legalisation Service offers a fast and efficient way for the legalisation of documents. The time taken to get an apostilled copy of a passport depends on the service you choose. Here are the two types of services offered by RLS:

1. Apostille Same-Day Service
2. Apostille 2-Day Service

Based on your choice of service, the fees for UK passport validation may vary.

6. How much does it cost to apostille a passport copy?

The cost of passport copy validation varies, based on the service type you choose:

• Apostille Same-Day Service: £135 (FCO Fees £75 and VAT £10)
• Apostille 2-Day Service: £78 (FCO Fees £30 and VAT £8)

These are the prices to get one document apostilled by the FCO.

Additional FAQs