Why the Apostille is Sometimes Called Attestation

Adding an apostille to a document is often referred to as the attestation. It may also be called, certification or getting a document apostilled.

The most common, and arguably correct term, is legalisation. Documents are legalised for use in another country when the apostille has been attached.

For clarity, attestation is by definition the confirmation of correctness. It also refers to the witnessing of an action or event. It is therefore easy to see why the apostille service may be referred to as attestation.

Apostille Legalisation

The apostille certificate is the official confirmation that a signature, seal or stamp on a UK public document is genuine.

The apostille certificate is often attached to a document that has been certified to be correct or true. It may also be attached to a document that has been witnessed. For example a solicitor may witness the signing of a document.

Whatever you may call the process, a document issued in the UK will normally require an apostille before it will be accepted overseas.

Embassy Attestation

Another common phrase is ‘embassy attestation’ of a document. Some countries request that documents are legalised by their embassy before they will be accepted. This applies to many countries that are not members of the Hague Convention.

To get started with your apostille service or embassy attestation please visit our how to order pages.