Restricted Urgent Service (Same-Day Processing)

Need an Apostille urgently? This highly restricted same-day service requires prior approval from the UK Legalisation Office. We can prepare and submit your urgent request, but approval is not guaranteed and must be supported by evidence of genuine urgency—such as repatriation, welfare, or critical corporate deadlines. Learn more about eligibility and deadlines.


By Rosie CHALMERS
2 min read

Restricted Urgent Service (Same-Day Processing)

Accessing the Urgent Legalisation Service

If your case qualifies for urgent legalisation, please follow the steps below. This service is strictly regulated by the UK Legalisation Office and subject to prior approval.


1. Submit a Request

Email us at support@fasttrackapostille.co.uk with the following details:

  • The type of document requiring urgent legalisation
  • A scan of the document(s), if available
  • Full name, designation, and capacity of the certifying official
  • A clear explanation outlining the urgency of your request

2. Provide Evidence of Urgency

You must include supporting documentation that demonstrates the urgent nature of your request. Acceptable evidence includes:

  • Official correspondence highlighting deadlines
  • Travel documentation
  • Legal, medical, or commercial papers that establish time-sensitive needs

3. Submit on Time

  • Your urgent request must be received by 3:00 PM the day before the service is needed.
  • Requests received after 3:00 PM will be reviewed the next business day.
This deadline allows us to submit your request to the FCDO the same day for approval.

4. Await FCDO Decision

We will notify you via email whether the FCDO has approved or rejected your request.

  • If approved:
    Please deliver the original documents by the following deadlines:
    • By 9:00 AM to our Kentish Town office
    • By 11:15 AM to our Milton Keynes office
  • If rejected:
    We will advise you on the next best alternative, such as our Next-Day Apostille Service.

5. Verification of Signature

Once we receive your scanned documents, the FCDO will verify the certifying signature:

  • If the signature is registered, your application proceeds.
  • If not, the request will be rejected. You will receive guidance on how to have the signature verified or re-certified.

6. Collection of Legalised Documents

If the application is approved and completed the same day, documents will be ready for:

  • Collection from 2:30 PM at our Milton Keynes office, or
  • Collection from 4:30 PM at our Kentish Town office

Important Notes

  • This is a highly restricted and case-sensitive service.
  • Approval is not guaranteed, even if submitted on time.
  • The FCDO will only approve same-day requests when the Next-Day service is insufficient based on the urgency and evidence provided.

Eligibility Criteria

Urgent Same-Day Apostille Legalisation is generally approved only for:

  • ✅ Time-sensitive repatriation documents
  • ✅ Urgent animal transport
  • Child welfare or vulnerable adult evidence
  • ✅ Commercial documents tied to deadlines (e.g., insolvency or M&A matters)
  • Corporate transactions with defined completion timelines
  • ✅ Last-minute private client documentation

Supporting Evidence Required

Each urgent request must include documented proof of urgency. The FCDO assesses eligibility based on the case type and supporting materials provided.