One of the most frequent points of confusion in the apostille process is whether a document needs to be certified by a solicitor or notarised by a Notary Public before it can be submitted to the FCDO. Both are qualified UK legal professionals. Both can certify documents for apostille. The difference lies in the weight their certification carries internationally - and in some cases, that difference determines whether a document is accepted or rejected abroad.

What a solicitor does

A solicitor is a qualified legal professional authorised to practise in England and Wales. For apostille purposes, a solicitor can certify copies of documents, witness signatures, and prepare documents for submission to the FCDO. Once a solicitor certifies a document and it receives an apostille, the FCDO has authenticated the solicitor's signature - confirming to overseas authorities that the certification was genuine. In the vast majority of cases, this is entirely sufficient. Most foreign governments, employers, universities and institutions accept solicitor-certified apostilled documents without question.

What a Notary Public does differently

A Notary Public is a specialist legal professional who undertakes additional qualifications specifically focused on documents for international use. Notarisation is widely regarded as the highest form of certification in the UK for documents destined for use abroad. Unlike a solicitor whose authority is technically domestic, a Notary Public holds internationally recognised standing - which is why some foreign authorities, particularly in civil law jurisdictions and across the Gulf, specifically require notarisation rather than solicitor certification. When a document is notarised and then apostilled, it carries the highest level of international credibility available under UK law.

When it genuinely matters which you use

For the majority of everyday apostille purposes - degree certificates, employment letters, personal declarations, criminal record checks - solicitor certification is accepted and notarisation would be unnecessary additional expense. The choice becomes important in three situations: when the receiving authority has specifically requested notarised documents; when the destination country is in the Gulf or another jurisdiction where notarisation is standard; and when documents involve high-stakes legal matters such as powers of attorney, affidavits or commercial agreements where the receiving party may scrutinise the level of certification.

When in doubt, confirm before you proceed

If there is any uncertainty about whether the receiving authority will accept solicitor certification, confirm it with them directly before instructing either professional. Obtaining the wrong level of certification does not invalidate the document, but it does mean having to start that stage again - which adds cost and time. Call our team on +44 (0) 204 630 6700 and we will confirm which certification is appropriate for your specific document and destination.