Do I Need an Apostille for My Deed Poll?
If you plan to use your UK deed poll outside the United Kingdom, you may be asked to obtain an Apostille certificate. An apostille is an official form of legalisation that confirms your document is authentic and recognised internationally under the Hague Apostille Convention. It verifies the signature, seal, and authority behind the document so that foreign governments, embassies, courts, and administrative bodies can accept it with confidence.
Apostilles are commonly required when updating foreign passports, applying for overseas residency or citizenship, registering a marriage abroad, or presenting legal documents to authorities outside the UK. Without proper legalisation, a foreign authority may refuse to accept your deed poll as valid evidence of your name change.
If your name change relates to international circumstances — such as being born abroad, holding dual nationality, or updating foreign civil records — you may also wish to read our Foreign Birth Name Change Guide , which explains additional requirements that may apply when dealing with overseas authorities.
In This Guide
- What is an Apostille
- When is an Apostille Required?
- Do All Countries Require an Apostille?
- How Long Does Apostille Legalisation Take?
- Does My Deed Poll Need to Be Enrolled First?
- How to Prepare Your Deed Poll for Apostille
- International FAQs
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official certificate issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) . It verifies:
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The Signature
That the signature on the document is genuine.
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The Authority
That the person signing had legal authority.
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The Document Type
That it is a valid UK legal document.
When is an Apostille Required?
You may need an apostille if:
- You are moving abroad permanently
- You are marrying overseas
- You are applying for foreign residency or citizenship
- A foreign authority specifically requests legalisation
If you are only updating UK documents (passport, driving licence, bank accounts), an apostille is not required.
Do All Countries Require an Apostille?
Only countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention accept apostilles. Some countries require additional embassy legalisation instead. Always check with the foreign authority requesting your document.
How Long Does Apostille Legalisation Take?
- Standard processing: Several working days
- Premium/express services: 1–2 working days
- Postal time must also be considered
Does My Deed Poll Need to Be Enrolled First?
In most cases, no. An unenrolled deed poll can be apostilled as long as it has been correctly signed and witnessed. However, some foreign authorities may prefer enrolled documents. You can learn more in our Enrolled vs Unenrolled Deed Poll Guide .
How to Prepare Your Deed Poll for Apostille
- Ensure the deed poll is correctly drafted — see our Complete UK Name Change Guide
- Sign and date the document
- Have it witnessed by an independent adult
- Check foreign authority requirements
- Submit for apostille legalisation
Need a Professionally Prepared UK Deed Poll?
If you require a professionally prepared document suitable for international use, you can order your UK Deed Poll online.
Order Your UK Deed Poll OnlineInternational FAQs
Is an Apostille required for all overseas use?
No. An Apostille is only required if the foreign authority specifically asks for legalisation. Many countries that are members of the Hague Convention accept Apostille certification, but it is always best to confirm with the receiving authority before applying.
Who issues the Apostille in the UK?
Apostilles are issued by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). They verify that the signature and seal on your Deed Poll are genuine and recognised under international legalisation rules.
Can an unenrolled Deed Poll be apostilled?
Yes. In most cases, an unenrolled Deed Poll can be apostilled as long as it has been correctly signed and witnessed. However, some foreign authorities may prefer an enrolled document, so always check their requirements first.
Do I need a solicitor to obtain an Apostille?
Not necessarily. You can submit your Deed Poll directly to the FCDO for legalisation. Some people choose to use a solicitor or specialist service to ensure the document meets international standards before submission.
How long does Apostille processing take?
Standard Apostille processing usually takes several working days. Premium or express services may reduce this to 1–2 working days, but postal delivery times should also be factored into your plans.
Will an Apostille make my Deed Poll valid worldwide?
An Apostille confirms the authenticity of the document for countries that are members of the Hague Convention. It does not automatically guarantee acceptance, as each country’s authority may have additional requirements.
What if the country is not part of the Hague Convention?
If the country is not a Hague Convention member, you may require additional embassy or consular legalisation after the Apostille process. Requirements vary, so contact the relevant embassy before proceeding.
Does my Deed Poll need to be notarised first?
Some authorities request notarisation before Apostille legalisation. In many cases, a properly signed and witnessed Deed Poll is sufficient, but certain countries may require additional certification from a UK notary public. You may also find our Wet Ink Signature Requirements Guide helpful before submitting your document.
Can I apostille a photocopy of my Deed Poll?
Generally, Apostilles are applied to original documents or officially certified copies. Plain photocopies are not normally accepted for legalisation.
Do UK authorities require an Apostille?
No. Apostilles are only for international use. UK organisations such as HM Passport Office, banks, the DVLA and HMRC do not require Apostille certification for a valid UK Deed Poll.