Apostille for United Kingdom · California Documents
Apostille for United Kingdom from California
The United Kingdom has been a Hague Convention member since 1965 — a California apostille is accepted for settlement visas, marriage in the U.K., and civil registration.
Documents we apostille for United Kingdom
Birth certificate
Required for U.K. settlement visa supporting documentation and British citizenship applications.
Marriage certificate
Apostilled for marriage notice filing at a U.K. register office and spousal visa applications.
FBI background check
Federal route via U.S. Dept of State — not California SOS. Required for U.K. visa character assessment.
Diploma & transcripts
For NARIC/ENIC recognition and credential filings at U.K. universities and professional bodies.
Power of attorney
Notarized in California, apostilled for property and legal matters before U.K. authorities.
Divorce decree
Apostilled for prior-marriage documentation in U.K. civil registration or visa applications.
How the United Kingdom apostille works
- Document check ($45, credited). We verify your document is California-issued, correctly certified, and U.K.-ready before any Secretary of State fee is paid.
- Sacramento filing. Couriered to the California Secretary of State — mail-in or same-day in person depending on your timeline.
- U.K. routing. The U.K. has been a Hague member since 1965. California apostilles are accepted by the Home Office, U.K. register offices, and courts — no translation required.
- Returned tracked. Apostilled document returned by tracked carrier with status updates throughout.
United Kingdom apostille — FAQ
Does the U.K. accept California apostilles?
Yes. The United Kingdom has been a Hague Convention member since 1965 and accepts apostilles from any other member, including the California Secretary of State.
Do I need apostilled documents for a U.K. settlement visa?
Typically yes — apostilled California birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), and FBI background check (federal route). Confirm the current checklist with UKVI.
Does the U.K. apostille need translation?
No. U.K. authorities accept California documents in English directly — no translation step required.
Can the California SOS apostille an FBI background check for a U.K. visa?
No. FBI documents are federal records authenticated by the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C. We prepare California documents and advise on the federal route.
Status and requirements for United Kingdom verified against the HCCH Apostille Section status table (hcch.net) as of 2026-06-19. Not legal advice.
Related routes & tools
Document Check — $45
Credited 100% to your apostille service.
Pricing & state fees
$20 + $6 SOS fees and service ranges.
How it works
The full California apostille process.
Processing times
Direct from SOS published timelines.
Same-day filing
In-person Sacramento counter.
Apostille by mail
When timing is flexible.
Sacramento SOS counter
Address, hours, payment, walk-in.
Which documents qualify
Eligible California document types.
Birth certificate
Most common citizenship document.
Marriage certificate
For spousal and civil filings.
Diploma & transcripts
Credential recognition abroad.
Power of attorney
Property and legal matters abroad.
Federal / FBI route
U.S. Dept of State authentication.
Non-Hague legalization
Consular route when apostille won’t work.
All countries
Destination routing hub.
Apostille guide
The full pillar overview.
Talk to a specialist
Phone, email, form.