If you need a UK document legalised but prefer not to send it by post, using an apostille drop-off service can be a convenient option.
Dropping your documents off in person gives you the reassurance that they have arrived safely and allows the team to check the paperwork before processing. This is especially useful if you are working to a deadline or if you are unsure whether your document is in the correct format.
At The Apostille Office, customers can drop off documents at one of our UK office locations. Once received, your documents can be checked, prepared and submitted for apostille legalisation.
What is an apostille drop-off service?
An apostille drop-off service allows you to bring your documents to an office in person rather than posting them.
This can be useful if:
- You live near one of our office locations
- You want to avoid postal delays
- You are sending valuable original documents
- You need documents checked before processing
- You have an urgent deadline
- You are unsure whether certification is required
- You prefer face-to-face support
After drop-off, your documents are handled through the appropriate apostille process. If solicitor certification, notary certification, translation or embassy attestation is required, this can also be confirmed.
What documents can you bring?
You can bring most UK documents for apostille, provided they are in the correct format.
Common documents include:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Death certificates
- Civil partnership certificates
- Adoption certificates
- DBS certificates
- ACRO police certificates
- Degree certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Passport copies
- Bank statements
- Employment letters
- Powers of attorney
- Company documents
- Court documents
- Medical letters
- HMRC documents
Some documents can be submitted as originals or official certified copies, while others may need solicitor or notary certification first.
What should you bring with you?
To help your appointment or drop-off go smoothly, bring everything needed to identify the document and the purpose of use.
You should bring:
- The original document or correct certified copy
- Any photocopies you want checked
- Your ID, if required for certification
- The destination country
- Instructions from the receiving authority, if available
- Your deadline or appointment date
- Your full name and contact details
- Your return delivery address
- Any translation or embassy attestation requirements
- Any previous rejection notice, if the document was refused before
The more information you provide, the easier it is to confirm the correct legalisation route.
Should you bring the original or a copy?
This depends on the document type and what the receiving authority requires.
You should usually bring originals or official certified copies for:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Death certificates
- Civil partnership certificates
- Adoption certificates
- Court documents
- ACRO police certificates
- DBS certificates
You may be able to bring certified copies for:
- Passport copies
- Driving licence copies
- Bank statements
- Utility bills
- Degree certificates
- Academic transcripts
- Employment letters
- Business documents
- Medical letters
Plain photocopies are not usually enough unless they have been properly certified by a UK solicitor or Notary Public.
What if your document needs solicitor or notary certification?
Some documents cannot go straight for apostille. They must first be certified by a UK solicitor or Notary Public.
This may apply to:
- Passport copies
- Driving licence copies
- Bank statements
- Utility bills
- Employment contracts
- Employer letters
- Academic certificates
- Medical letters
- Powers of attorney
- Company documents
- Private agreements
If certification is needed, the team can explain the correct route and help arrange the required preparation before apostille.
What if your document is damaged or laminated?
Documents must be clear, complete and in acceptable condition.
A document may be rejected if it is:
- Laminated
- Torn
- Water damaged
- Faded
- Altered
- Missing pages
- Difficult to read
- Covered by marks that obscure important information
If you bring a damaged or laminated certificate, you may need to order a replacement before apostille legalisation can proceed.
This is common with older birth, marriage and death certificates, especially where the document has been stored for many years or laminated for protection.
Can you drop off documents for someone else?
In many cases, you may be able to drop off documents on behalf of someone else, especially if the documents are already prepared and do not require identity checks.
However, if solicitor or notary certification is needed, the person signing or certifying the document may need to be present or provide additional identification.
This is especially important for:
- Powers of attorney
- Affidavits
- Statutory declarations
- Passport copy certification
- Identity-related documents
- Documents requiring witnessed signatures
If you are bringing documents for a client, family member or colleague, it is best to confirm requirements before visiting.
What happens after you drop off your documents?
After your documents are received, the process normally includes:
- Checking the document format
- Confirming whether certification is required
- Preparing the document for apostille
- Submitting it for legalisation
- Arranging translation or attestation if required
- Returning the document by collection, post or courier
If any issue is found, such as missing certification, incorrect format or damage, the team will advise on the next step before proceeding.
How long does drop-off apostille take?
The turnaround time depends on the service you choose and whether extra steps are required.
At The Apostille Office, the main options are:
- Premium Apostille Service — 1 working day
- Express Apostille Service — 5 working days
You should also allow extra time if your document needs:
- Solicitor or notary certification
- Certified or sworn translation
- Embassy or consular attestation
- Replacement certificates
- International courier delivery
If your deadline is urgent, bring details of the deadline with you so the team can advise on the fastest suitable route.
Which office should you visit?
The Apostille Office has multiple UK office locations where customers can drop off documents in person.
Office locations include:
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- Bristol
- Manchester
- Sheffield
- Leeds
- Reading
- Cambridge
- Milton Keynes
- Cardiff
If you prefer to send documents by post rather than visit in person, postal applications should be sent to the Milton Keynes office only.
Drop-off checklist
Before visiting, check that you have:
- The correct original or certified copy
- Any supporting instructions from the receiving authority
- The destination country
- Your deadline or appointment date
- Your contact details
- Your return address
- ID, if certification may be required
- Any previous rejection notice
- Information about translation or embassy attestation, if needed
Preparing these details in advance can help avoid delays and make the process smoother.
Need help before you visit?
If you are unsure what to bring, contact us before dropping off your documents.
Our team can confirm whether your document is ready for apostille, whether solicitor or notary certification is required, and whether the destination country may require translation or embassy attestation.
Contact The Apostille Office on +44 (0) 204 630 6700 and we will help you prepare everything correctly before your visit.
