If you have been sent a document with a UK apostille and want to check that it is genuine, you can use the official verification service on GOV.UK.
What you need
- The certificate number printed on the apostille
- The date the apostille was issued
How to check
Go to the GOV.UK service for verifying an apostille, enter the certificate number and issue date, and the service will confirm whether it matches the FCDO’s records.
What a check does not tell you
A genuine apostille confirms the origin of the signature, seal or stamp on the document. It does not confirm that the contents are accurate, and it does not guarantee that an authority abroad will accept the document.
Need an apostille?
Apostille Help does not issue apostilles. They are issued by the FCDO Legalisation Office, and we handle the checks, submission and return for you.
See our document guides, pricing and FAQ.
Sources and review
Reviewed on 30 October 2026. Requirements can change, so check current official guidance and the receiving authority’s instructions before you order.
Apostille Help is a private service and is not affiliated with the UK Government or the FCDO. Document suitability and overseas acceptance need to be checked for each order.