Apostille processing times

(Updated 5th March 2022)

Apostilles are sometimes required in addition to the notarial act (more information here). They are done at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office. In “normal” times they usually process documents the day after they arrive and despatch them shortly thereafter.

At this time we are finding that apostilles are taking longer than usual and we suspect this could be due to the Ukraine/ Russia situation.

We cannot predict how long a “standard service” apostille will take but we can tell you how long the most recently completed documents have taken to give you a rough idea.

If there is urgency to your documentation then our faster options remain.

Milton Keynes Agent – next day service (plus postal times there and back)

London Express Agent – same day service (plus postal times there and back)

For example:-

Documents notarised on Monday

They arrive with the agent or FCDO on Tuesday.

-London agent – they will be despatched on the Tuesday so will be back with you (in the UK) on the Wednesday.

-Milton Keynes agent – They will be despatched on the Wednesday so will be back with you (in the UK) on the Thursday

-Standard – currently unknown.

*International times will vary depending on destination. All the above times are estimates/ target times and can be affected by postal delays, sickness, or unexpected closures etc.

The cost of apostilles will depend on the number of documents and the speed of service that you require.

COVID-19 Update

My Notary Public is open for business during the pandemic with some adaptations to maintain safety and adhere to social distancing recommendations.

Until further notice I am seeing clients in Liverpool (L18) and Manchester (M20) as well as mobile appointments elsewhere in the North West or within a 2hour driving distance from Liverpool.

All work remains subject to our terms and conditions.

If you are driving to your appointment and would prefer not to come inside then I can offer a drive through appointment:-

1. Before the appointment email through what you can. I will prepare the paperwork based on information provided by email and telephone.
2. Make an appointment. I cannot see you without an appointment but these can often be arranged quite quickly.
3. Drive up to My Notary Public, pass through your original ID and any other documents to me through your car window. I will inspect/ make copies etc while you wait. If you are required to sign anything in my presence then you will do this from your car whilst I watch.
4. I will take the documents inside to finalise which should take a few minutes, before returning them.

Payment is required prior to release of the notarial acts. 

Please let me know your intended mode of payment ahead of the appointment in order that I may prepare your receipt in advance.

Receipts can be emailed, printed or both depending on your preference.