A UK passport is often requested by overseas authorities as proof of identity. It may be needed for visa applications, residency, marriage abroad, bank accounts, property transactions, employment, education or company procedures.
However, the original passport itself is not usually apostilled. Instead, a certified copy of the passport is normally prepared and then legalised with an apostille.
This is an important distinction. Sending the wrong version of the document can cause delays, especially if the receiving authority has asked for an apostilled passport copy.
Can a UK passport be apostilled?
In most cases, the original passport is not apostilled directly. A passport is an identity document that belongs to the holder, and it is usually needed for travel and identification.
Instead, a UK solicitor or notary can certify a copy of the passport. The apostille is then attached to the certification, confirming the signature, stamp or seal of the solicitor or notary.
This allows the certified passport copy to be used abroad without sending the original passport.
What is a certified passport copy?
A certified passport copy is a copy of the passport photo page that has been checked and certified by an authorised professional, such as a solicitor or notary.
The certification usually confirms that the copy is a true copy of the original document. It may include the certifier’s name, signature, stamp, date and professional details.
For apostille purposes, the certification must be suitable for legalisation. If the wording or signature is not acceptable, the apostille application may be delayed.
When might you need an apostilled passport copy?
You may need an apostilled UK passport copy for:
- visa or residency applications
- marriage abroad
- overseas bank accounts
- property purchases
- company formation abroad
- director or shareholder verification
- employment onboarding overseas
- university or school applications
- inheritance or probate matters
- legal or court procedures abroad
The exact requirement depends on the country and the organisation requesting the document.
Why not send the original passport?
There are several reasons why a certified copy is usually preferred.
Your passport is an important travel and identity document. Sending it away for legalisation or overseas use can be risky and may leave you without valid identification.
Also, an apostille normally needs to verify a signature, stamp or seal. The passport itself may not be suitable for this process in the same way as a birth certificate or marriage certificate.
By certifying a copy, a recognised UK professional adds a certifiable signature and statement to the document. This gives the Legalisation Office something to verify.
Solicitor or notary: which one do you need?
A UK solicitor certification is often suitable for passport copy apostille purposes. However, some overseas authorities may specifically ask for a notarised passport copy.
A notary public is commonly requested for international legal, property, business or court-related matters. A solicitor-certified copy may be accepted for many routine cases, but it is not always enough.
Before arranging certification, check whether the receiving authority has asked for a solicitor-certified copy, notarised copy or simply an apostilled passport copy.
Which passport pages should be copied?
In most cases, the photo page of the passport is the main page required. This page shows the passport holder’s name, date of birth, nationality, passport number, photograph and expiry date.
Some authorities may also ask for additional pages, such as signature pages, visa pages or address information if relevant.
You should confirm exactly which pages are needed before certification. Certifying the wrong page or an incomplete copy may cause delays.
Do you need a translation?
A UK passport is usually in English, but some countries may still request a certified translation of the certified copy or the apostille.
This depends on the destination country and the purpose of the document.
If a translation is required, check whether the passport copy should be apostilled before translation or whether the translation also needs certification or legalisation.
Will an apostille be enough?
In many countries, an apostille on a certified passport copy is enough. However, some countries may require further embassy or consular legalisation after the apostille.
This is more common where the destination country does not accept apostilles alone or has additional document rules.
Before using the document abroad, check whether the receiving authority needs only an apostille or an extra legalisation step.
Common reasons for delays
A passport copy apostille application may be delayed if the copy has not been certified correctly, if the solicitor or notary details are unclear, or if the certification wording is missing or incomplete.
There may also be delays if the wrong passport page has been copied, if the receiving authority requested notarisation but the document was only solicitor-certified, or if a required translation has not been arranged.
Checking the requirements before certification can help avoid unnecessary problems.
How 12 Apostille can help
12 Apostille can help you prepare and legalise a certified copy of a UK passport for overseas use. We can advise whether solicitor certification or notarisation may be needed, whether the copy appears suitable for apostille, and whether translation or further legalisation may be required.
This helps reduce the risk of rejection and makes sure your passport copy is prepared correctly before it is submitted abroad.
Final checklist
Before arranging an apostille for a UK passport copy, check whether the receiving authority needs a certified copy or a notarised copy, which passport pages must be included, and whether the certification wording is suitable.
You should also check whether a translation is required and whether the destination country accepts an apostille only or asks for further legalisation.
Preparing the passport copy correctly from the start can help avoid delays with overseas identity, visa, property or business procedures.