A government issued document is any official paperwork produced by a UK government department or authority. This includes certificates, letters, licences, or confirmations used to verify identity, status, or compliance. These documents are often required abroad for legal, regulatory, or personal purposes.
Common Uses
This document is often requested by:
Foreign immigration and visa authorities
Overseas regulators or government departments
International legal or financial institutions
Universities, employers, or licensing bodies
Apostille Requirements
Certification required: If the document bears an official signature and stamp from a UK government department, it may not need solicitor certification. If it does not, it must be certified by a UK solicitor or notary public before apostille.
Original document: The apostille will be applied to the official original or solicitor-certified copy.
Not eligible for e-apostille: Most government-issued documents must go through the physical apostille process.
Important Notes
Ensure the document is complete, signed, and officially stamped.
If printed from a government portal or received digitally, it must be downloaded in full and certified before submission.
Some countries may require translation and further embassy legalisation. Always check the destination country’s requirements.
