Where and how to certify copies of documents in London

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Establish which certification is required

Ask the organisation receiving your document for its certified-copy requirements. Banks, universities, visa authorities and overseas notaries may accept different professionals. Do not pay for a notarial service simply because your request uses a general word such as “certify”.

Under GOV.UK guidance ↗, an appropriate professional, such as a solicitor or notary, can certify a copy; the recipient can set its own list. A teacher or accountant mentioned in the general guidance may therefore be unacceptable to your bank. Also ask whether a digital copy is accepted, whether the original certification is required and how many copies you need.

Prepare the originals and appointment

Tell the professional what the document is, where it will be used and the required wording. Ask about charges per document or page, additional copies, urgency and payment methods. For an overseas procedure, send the recipient's instructions in advance so the professional understands precisely what they are being asked to certify.

You will normally need the original and a clear copy. For a document with several pages, establish how the pages will be linked and certified. If the original is overseas, do not assume that an ordinary scan is sufficient to produce a copy certified as having been checked against the original.

Check the wording on the copy

The general guidance ↗ requires confirmation that the copy matches the original seen, together with a signature, date, the professional's name, occupation, address and telephone number. Check the complete set immediately, especially the reverse of certificates, visa pages and attachments. The certifier should not be your relative, partner or someone living at your address.

Copy certification records a comparison with the original under the procedure performed. It does not translate a document, extend its validity or guarantee acceptance by every authority.

If the document will be used overseas

Agree the order of certification, apostille and translation. FCDO accepts certain British documents as originals; others first need the signature of a UK solicitor or notary. The apostille guidance ↗ says to establish the recipient's requirements concerning originals, copies and the certifying professional.

Keep a scan of the completed set and your receipt. If the matter is urgent, allow time for delivery and further legalisation as well as the appointment. If you find an error, obtain corrected certification before sending originals abroad.