How to Check your Apostille isn’t a Fake: If there is one thing the pandemic has done, it’s certainly tested our patience. You may be one of the many prospective TEFL teachers whose plans have been put on hold over the past 12 months, for instance.
Since countries started closing their borders in March and April 2020 travelling abroad has never been the same. It’s become more complicated, with quarantine rules and COVID vaccination certificates becoming the norm.
It’s also had an effect on the apostille system. The complex – and often laborious – nature of getting government documents signed for legal and consular purposes has also been extended time-wise. Delays due to staff shortages during furlough have been inevitable.
Can documents be authenticated online?
So, it can be tempting when an online service offers to accomplish this legalisation process by shedding days off how long you would normally be expected to wait at this moment in time. Not only that, but they appear to be achieving this for a fraction of the cost you would normally have to pay.
Of course, the reason for this – as you will no doubt eventually find out – is because their online authentication process isn’t – authentic, that is. Because, in order to have a document, such as a birth certificate, adoption papers, marriage certificate or death certificate legally certified, the original has to be physically seen by a solicitor or a notary public.
This allows the legal professional to verify it, then have it photocopied and puts a stamp on the copy. In doing so they are confirming that they have seen the original document.
Digital certification and apostilles are certainly fake. Unintentionally go down this route and you will not only find you have paid and received nothing in return, but your plans will be further put on hold. That’s because you will have to start at the beginning of the whole certification process once again.
Worse still, if you don’t realise your documents are fake until you are already abroad and need them for a legal purpose then it could prove extremely embarrassing for you and result in some serious questions being asked.
How to identify a fake Apostille
Put simply, if an apostille has been photocopied or issued in a digital form, then it is a fake. That’s because an apostille is always a separate, physical piece of paper which is attached to the back of your photocopied document.
Each UK apostille has a unique reference number which can be checked on the government website. You will also need to know when the apostille was issued and the number itself to do this.
There should also be a Foreign, Commonwealth and Development office (FCDO) seal in the bottom left hand corner where both the apostille and the document will be embossed.
How to tell a fake Apostille company
The company’s website itself should start alarm bells ringing if there is no registered address listed. The same if there is no contact telephone number. Being able to speak to a ‘real’ person to answer your query is important as this can be a complicated process and its always best to get clarity (especially with legal matters).
Which countries offer Apostilles?
It would take too long in this blog post to list all the countries who have agreed to issue and accept apostilles. But there are, at present, more than 110.
The process isn’t the same in every country. In France, for instance, you can get an apostille from a local court house. In Australia it’s the regional government. In the UK you will find an apostille service can only be carried out by the
FCDO. This can be done in person, by post or with a representative like ourselves.
Get in touch today
If you happen to be abroad, or feel the FCDO is too far to travel to, for instance, then we can get the certification done for you. And, if you are in a hurry for the documents then we offer a ‘same day apostille service.’ After we have personally visited the FCDO we will send the documents to you immediately by first class post, international airmail, courier or special delivery so that you receive them in time for your specific purpose.
You can always call us on +44 2080 172 216 where a member of staff will be happy to answer any queries you might have. If it’s easier for you, we are also available via Whatsapp on +44 7496 701 341. Email us at orders@apostille-services.co.uk or, fill out the contact form on our website www.apostille-services.co.uk
