🇬🇧
Top 5 Mistakes People Make When Applying for an Apostille
Momento Apostille
Your Trusted Document Legalisation & Translation Partner
📞 +44 7469 915551
📧 info@momentoapostille.com
🌐 momentoapostille.com
Introduction
Getting your documents Apostilled might sound simple, but even a small mistake can delay your plans — or worse, lead to rejection.
At Momento Apostille, we’ve helped thousands of clients in London and across the UK get their documents legalised smoothly. Along the way, we’ve seen the most common errors that people make when applying for an Apostille.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the top five mistakes — and show you how to avoid them.
1. Submitting the Wrong Type of Document
One of the most frequent issues is sending documents that aren’t eligible for an Apostille.
For example:
- Photocopies or scans (instead of originals or certified copies).
- Unsigned letters or forms.
- Uncertified translations.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) will only issue an Apostille for official UK documents that are either:
- Original government-issued documents (like birth or marriage certificates), or
- Documents that have been certified by a UK solicitor or notary public.
Tip: Always make sure your document is properly signed, stamped, and ready before submission. If you’re unsure, Momento Apostille can check it for you — free of charge.
2. Forgetting to Notarise When Required
Certain documents, especially business or private ones (like contracts, powers of attorney, or company letters), must be notarised before you can get an Apostille.
Skipping this step means your Apostille request will be rejected.
Tip: Our legalisation experts at Momento Apostille will tell you exactly which documents need notarisation — and can even arrange it for you through our partner notaries in London.
3. Using Outdated or Invalid Documents
Submitting outdated or incorrect documents can also cause delays.
Examples include:
- Expired police clearance certificates.
- Old company registration documents.
- Degrees or certificates issued under a previous name (without a name change document).
Tip: Always double-check that your document is valid, accurate, and up to date. We can verify this before submission to the FCDO to save you time and effort.
4. Choosing the Wrong Type of Legalisation
Many people confuse Apostille with Embassy Legalisation.
If your document is going to a Hague Convention country, you only need an Apostille.
But if it’s for a non-Hague country (like the UAE, China, or Qatar), you’ll also need embassy legalisation.
Tip: Momento Apostille can identify exactly what type of legalisation you need based on your destination country — so you never waste time or money on the wrong process.
5. Trying to Do It All Yourself
While it’s technically possible to apply for an Apostille on your own, the process can be confusing and time-consuming — especially if you’re in a hurry or need multiple documents legalised.
Common issues include:
- Filling out the wrong forms.
- Missing required certifications.
- Mailing delays or document loss.
Tip: Leave it to the experts. At Momento Apostille, we handle everything — document checks, notarisation, submission to the FCDO, and delivery — so you can relax knowing your paperwork is in safe hands.
Bonus Tip: Check Before You Send
Before sending your documents, always make sure:
✅ They’re the correct originals or certified copies.
✅ All signatures and stamps are clear and legible.
✅ You’ve specified the correct destination country.
These small steps can make a big difference in how quickly your Apostille is processed.
Conclusion
Avoiding these five common mistakes can save you days — or even weeks — of delay.
With Momento Apostille, you’ll have a professional team reviewing your paperwork before it even reaches the FCDO. That means no rejections, no stress, and no wasted time.
So whether you need your Apostille today or next week, we’re here to make sure it’s done right the first time.
Contact Momento Apostille Today
Get your documents legalised quickly and professionally.
Call us on +44 7469 915551 or email info@momentoapostille.com for a free consultation.
