Apostille for Birth Certificate

UK Birth Certificate

Get Your UK Birth Certificate Legalised for International Use

if you need to use your UK birth certificate abroad — for a visa, marriage, citizenship, or adoption — it must be apostilled by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

Ace Apostille handles the entire process for you quickly and securely.

Which UK Birth Certificate can be Apostilled?

The UK GRO issue two main types of birth certificates:

  • Short Version Certificate – lists only the child’s name, date, and place of birth.
  • Long Version (Full) Certificate – includes parents’ details as recorded in the original register.

Both certificates are official UK public documents, but only the long (full) version certificate is accepted internationally.
The short certificate, while it can be Apostilled by the FCDO, is often rejected overseas because it does not contain parental details.

If you only have a short version certificate, order a long (full) version before beginning the Apostille process through the General Register Office.

Which UK Birth Certificate is accepted abroad?

How much does an Apostille cost?

The paper-based express next-day Apostille starts from just £79.00

Price Guarantee – Apostille services from just £79, the most reliable in the UK.

🏆 Top-Tier Quality – All documents are reviewed by experienced legal professionals in London.

🚀 Fast Turnaround – Your documents are ready to be collected or despatched on the next-day*

UK Birth Certificate

What does a UK birth certificate look like?

A UK birth certificate is usually printed on official watermarked paper, showing:

  • The birth registration number (usually top right)
  • Full name, date, and place of birth
  • Parents’ details
  • Registration district and registrar’s signature

Older versions may look slightly different but remain legally valid.

How is a birth certificate made and where is it issued?

When a child is born, parents register the birth with the local Register Office. The details are recorded in the civil register, and an official certificate is issued by the GRO or local authority.

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How to Apostille a UK Birth Certificate

1. Check your document

Ensure your certificate is an original long-form version (not a photocopy). Short versions can be apostilled but are not accepted internationally.

2. Send it to Ace Apostille

Once you have your document, post it to the Ace Apostille address.

3. We handle the rest

We’ll submit your certificate to the FCDO for apostille and return it securely to you.

Pro-Tip: If ordering a new Birth Certificate, use our office as the “Delivery Address”. Saving you time and postage costs!

Start your Apostille order here:

Order Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate from the GRO

When is a Birth Certificate Apostille required?

A Hague Apostille Certificate is commonly required for:

  • Visa or immigration applications
  • Marriage abroad
  • Dual citizenship applications
  • Adoption procedures
  • University enrolment overseas

Without an apostille, your UK birth certificate may not be accepted by foreign authorities.

How can I get my UK Birth Certificate Apostilled with Ace Apostille?

  • Order a copy from the GRO if you don’t have one.
  • Send it to Ace Apostille.
  • We legalise it at the FCDO.
  • Receive your apostilled certificate by post or collect at our Offices in London of Milton Keynes.

The Ace Apostille team ensures your document is properly verified and internationally recognised.

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Why Choose Ace Apostille?

Trusted by Professionals, Built on Experience

At Ace Apostille, we understand that time and accuracy matter. Our clients choose us because:

  • Our expert team has over 20 years’ experience in legalisation and Apostille services
  • Our team has handled over 100,000 Apostilles for clients in the UK and abroad
  • We conduct a document check before submission to the FCDO
  • We provide a quick next-day apostille service
  • We are fully transparent – no hidden fees, ever!

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Understanding the General Register Office (GRO) and Birth Certificates

Who issues birth certificates in the UK?

In the UK, birth certificates are issued by the General Register Office (GRO) or your local register office. The GRO keeps official records of all registered births, marriages, and deaths in England and Wales.

Who can get a UK birth certificate?

Anyone can order a certified copy of a birth certificate as long as they provide key details such as:

  • Full name at birth
  • Date and place of birth
  • Parents’ names (if listed)

You do not need to be the person named on the certificate.

Where can I order a birth certificate?

You can order a replacement birth certificate directly from the GRO website: https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/certificates/login.asp

Once you have it, send it to us at Ace Apostille, and we’ll get it apostilled for you.

How much does a UK birth certificate cost?

As of 2026, a Standard birth certificate ordered from the GRO website costs:

  • £12.50 for standard service – reference supplied
  • £16.00 for standard service – reference not supplied.

As of 2025, the Priority birth certificate ordered from the GRO website costs:

  • £38.50 for priority service – reference supplied.
  • £42.00 for the priority service – reference not supplied.

Can a birth certificate be used as ID?

A birth certificate proves identity and nationality but is not accepted as photographic ID. For example, it can support applications for a passport or visa but cannot be used alone for travel or banking.

Can a birth certificate be changed?

Yes, in some cases:

  • Spelling errors can be corrected by contacting the GRO.
  • Parental details can be added or amended with supporting documents.
    Major changes usually require legal documentation or a court order.

Are birth certificates free in the UK?

No. While registering a birth is free, certified copies (birth certificates) must be purchased from the GRO or your local register office.

Where is the birth certificate number?

It’s located in the top-right corner of the certificate — a unique reference used to identify the record.

How long does apostille legalisation take?

Using our express next-day service, your Apostille will be ready for collection on the next working day at around 3pm. We can return your apostilled certificate within a few working days – Please check our delivery options at checkout.

Can I apostille a foreign birth certificate in the UK?

No — the UK Apostille is only for UK-issued documents. For other countries, contact the relevant embassy.

How to get a Birth or Marriage Certificate Apostilled

Check our Complete Guide on how to order the certificate and more: https://aceapostille.com/how-to-get-a-birth-or-marriage-certificate-apostilled/

Why Choose Ace Apostille

  • Fast, secure, and reliable service
  • Trusted by UK professionals and families
  • Transparent pricing
  • Nationwide delivery and return options

Start now: Order Your Apostille Online

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We are registered with the UK FCDO

As an officially registered provider with the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), we ensure your documents are processed correctly and efficiently — every time!