Birth Certificate (UK) Services
Notarisation and Apostille Services for Birth Certificates
If you are planning to move abroad, you may need an apostille stamp on your birth certificate. At Wharf Notaries, our team of experienced professionals can help you authenticate your certificate swiftly and efficiently. Learn more about the importance of a birth certificate and our streamlined process for legalising this essential document.
Process to Notarise and Apostille a Birth Certificate
To secure an apostille, your birth certificate must be submitted to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Legalisation Office, located in Milton Keynes. We handle the entire process for you, submitting your birth certificate and collecting it the next day.
Wharf Notaries offers fast and cost-effective services, guiding you through each step:
- For Non-UK Birth Certificates: Provide the original document. We will make a copy and notarise it as a “true copy.”
- For UK Birth Certificates: No notarisation is required; we can proceed directly to apostille.
- Client Registration: Complete our Client Registration Form and provide the original birth certificate.
- Notarisation (if needed): We will notarise the document or proceed with the apostille as applicable.
- Document Return: After completion, we will send you a PDF scan of the document. You can collect it from our office, have it sent via Royal Mail Special Delivery to a UK address, or courier it internationally through DHL.
If you plan to use your birth certificate in a non-Hague Convention country, it may require consular legalisation. If you need your birth certificate notarised, apostilled, or legalised, we’ll manage the entire process for you.
What Is A Birth Certificate?
A birth certificate is an official record documenting the birth of a person, issued by the government. When births are registered, details are documented in a register book at a local register office in the area where the birth took place. Following this, a copy of the entry is sent to the General Register Office (GRO).
What Do You Need a Birth Certificate For?
A birth certificate is typically required for various official purposes, including but not limited to:
- Proof of identity for obtaining government-issued identification documents such as a driver’s licence or passport.
- Registering for school or educational programs.
- Applying for government benefits or social services.
- Establishing citizenship or immigration purposes.
- Getting a marriage licence or applying for a marriage certificate.
- Claiming inheritance or insurance benefits.
- Verifying age for legal transactions such as obtaining a work permit or applying for a job.
Why You Might Need to Notarise and Apostille a Birth Certificate
You may require notarisation and an apostille for reasons such as:
- Applying for dual citizenship.
- Getting married abroad.
- Executing a will.
- Registering a birth in another country.
An apostille certificate authenticates a UK-issued birth certificate or verifies the signature and seal of a notary on a foreign-issued birth certificate. It provides assurance to recipients in foreign countries regarding the document’s authenticity. Apostille certificates are recognised by over 120 member countries of the Hague Convention.
What Is The Difference Between Full Certificates and Short Certificates?
There are usually two types of birth certificates. These are full certificates, known as a ‘Certified Copy of an Entry’, and a short certificate, ‘Certificate of Birth’. A full certificate includes the following details:
- A child’s name
- Gender
- Place of birth
- Parent’s names
- Parents’ place of birth
- Parents’ occupations
This certificate is an original entry from the birth register. Short certificates only contain information including a child’s name, gender, date, and place of birth. This is usually given when the birth is registered.
Crown Copyright
Most UK-issued birth certificates are protected by Crown copyright law. This means that only the government is permitted to issue certified copies of birth certificates. Hence, a notary public cannot notarise a copy of the certificate. A notary can, however, notarise the original birth certificate and confirm that it is authentic. We are more than happy to provide you with information about notarial certificates for certified copies which are issued by the GRO.
Foreign Birth Certificates
If you have a non-UK birth certificate, it will need to be notarised first before it can be apostilled. You will need to provide the original birth certificate to us, and we will carry out checks to confirm that it is authentic. We will then make a photocopy and notarise that photocopy. Finally, we will submit the notarised copy to the FCDO on either our Premium or Standard Service to be apostilled. If you will be using it in a country that has not signed up to the Hague Apostille Convention, it will need to be further legalised by the Embassy of the country it is going to. Please note that some Embassies will not legalise non-UK birth certificates, such as the Chinese Embassy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Birth Certificate
Why do you need to notarise and apostille a birth certificate?
Notarisation and an apostille stamp might be necessary for various reasons, including applying for dual citizenship, getting married abroad, executing a will, or registering a birth in another country.
How long does it take to apostille a birth certificate?
The time required can vary depending on the service level chosen. Our Premium Service allows for same-day apostille, while the Standard Service typically takes 3-5 working days.
How much does it cost to apostille a birth certificate?
The cost varies based on the specific services required. Please contact us for a detailed quote tailored to your needs.
What if I have a non-UK issued birth certificate?
If you have a non-UK issued birth certificate, you will need to provide the original document, which will be notarised before being submitted for an apostille.
Can I use a short birth certificate for notarisation and apostille?
Yes, both full and short birth certificates can be notarised and apostilled. However, full certificates provide more comprehensive information.
What should I do if I need my birth certificate for a non-Hague Convention country?
If you plan to use your birth certificate in a country that is not a member of the Hague Convention, it may require consular legalisation after the apostille process. Please check specific country requirements for details.
Is a photocopy of my birth certificate sufficient?
A photocopy cannot be used directly for apostille. The original birth certificate must be presented for notarisation before it can be apostilled.
How will I receive my notarised and apostilled birth certificate?
You can choose to collect it from our office, have it posted to a UK address via Royal Mail Special Delivery, or couriered internationally via DHL.