Deed Poll Apostille: Legalising a UK Deed Poll

Step one: have a solicitor or notary certify it

Take your signed original deed poll to a UK solicitor or notary public and ask them to certify a copy, or to certify the original. Their signature is what the FCDO will check. Solicitors and notaries charge for this, and fees vary, so ask before you book. If the document is going abroad, a notary is often the better choice, because many foreign authorities expect notarial certification and a notary can advise on what the receiving country needs.

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Step two: apply to the FCDO for the apostille

You apply online on GOV.UK, then send the certified document by post or courier, or have the notary send an electronic version for an e-Apostille. GOV.UK currently lists:

Standard paper apostille: £45 per document, plus postage or courier costs.

e-Apostille: £35 per document, usually within 2 working days, for documents issued electronically by a notary or solicitor.

Check GOV.UK for current processing times before you rely on a deadline, because the paper service can take several weeks.

Will the other country need more?

Countries that signed the Hague Apostille Convention accept an apostille on its own, and that covers most of Europe, the US, Australia and many others. Countries outside the convention may also want the document legalised by their embassy in the UK after the FCDO apostille. Many authorities also ask for a certified translation if the document is not in their language. Ask the organisation that wants the document exactly what it needs before you start.

Do you need an apostille at all?

Often not. Most UK organisations, including the Passport Office, never ask for one. You only need an apostille when an authority outside the UK asks for it, typically to update a foreign passport, residence permit or civil register. Our guide to using a UK deed poll abroad covers what different countries tend to accept.

A deed poll from this site can be certified and apostilled in exactly the same way as one prepared by a solicitor. Some people choose to enrol their deed poll first, because a court-enrolled record is easier for foreign authorities to verify, but that is not required for an apostille.

What is your new name?

Who is this deed poll for?

MyselfAged 16 or over — £19.99 My childUnder 16 — £19.99

Name you are changing from

First name

Middle name optional

Last name

Name you are changing to

First name

Middle name optional

Last name

A few details about you

Email address

Only used to retrieve your deed poll if you lose it. No marketing emails.

Date of birth

Day

Month

Year

Your current address

Address line 1

Address line 2 optional

Town / City

Postcode

Date of deed

Your witnesses

A UK deed poll requires two witnesses. They must be adults, not related to you, and present when you sign. They do not need to be a solicitor.

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Bank or building society
GP surgery / NHS
Employer — HR and payroll
Local council — council tax and electoral register
Utilities & broadband
Pension provider

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Common questions

Can you get an apostille on a deed poll?

Yes. The FCDO will apostille a deed poll once it has been certified by a UK solicitor or notary. A deed poll signed only by you and your witnesses cannot be apostilled directly.

How much does a deed poll apostille cost?

The FCDO charges £45 for a standard paper apostille or £35 for an e-Apostille, per document. You also pay the solicitor or notary who certifies the deed poll first, and postage.

How long does it take to apostille a deed poll?

An e-Apostille usually takes up to 2 working days once the FCDO has the document. The paper service is slower, so check current times on GOV.UK. Allow extra time for the solicitor or notary appointment.

Do I need a notary or will a solicitor do?

The FCDO accepts certification by a UK solicitor or notary. If the document is for use abroad, a notary is often the safer choice, because many foreign authorities expect notarial certification.

Does the Passport Office need an apostille on my deed poll?

No. UK organisations, including HM Passport Office, accept a deed poll without an apostille. You only need one if an authority outside the UK asks for it.