Government-Issued ID Copy Apostille in Plymouth

Government-issued ID Copy apostille in Plymouth verified by the FCDO Legalisation Office for use in Hague Convention countries.

Government-Issued ID Copy Apostille

Hague Member

Document type Government-Issued ID Copy

Competent authority The Legalisation Office (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)

Standard turnaround Up to 25 working days, plus postage

Express turnaround Next working day (registered businesses only)

Information validated 20 August 2026

Complete Guide

How to Apostille a Government-Issued ID Copy from Plymouth

A guide to getting a certified copy of your ID legalised with an apostille in Plymouth for international use.

In this guide

Apostilling a Government-Issued ID Copy from Plymouth
Getting Your Certified ID Copy Ready
The Apostille Process Step-by-Step
Fees and Processing Time
Using Your Apostilled ID Copy Abroad

Apostilling a Government-Issued ID Copy from Plymouth

To get a legalisation of a Government-Issued ID Copy in Plymouth, you start by obtaining a certified copy of your original identity document. Plymouth Register Office offers this service, providing an official copy with a registrar's stamp. You do not need to risk sending your original passport or driver's licence through the mail when the office can prepare a certified duplicate specifically for the apostille process. This copy then goes to The Legalisation Office in Milton Keynes, which handles all UK apostille requests. They check the document and attach the apostille certificate to verify its authenticity for use abroad.

Getting Your Certified ID Copy Ready

Before you can apostille a Government-Issued ID Copy in United Kingdom, you must have the document properly certified. The Plymouth Register Office in Derriford Business Park creates official copies of passports or driving licences submitted to them. Their staff will stamp the copy and confirm it matches the original you present in person. This certified version is what you use for the apostille, not your original ID card. Keep your important identification safe at home while the copy goes through the legalisation process through the proper channels.

The Apostille Process Step-by-Step

Understanding how to apostille a Government-Issued ID Copy makes the task less daunting. After getting your certified copy from Plymouth Register Office, you mail it to The Legalisation Office. Include the appropriate fee as either a personal payment or through a business account. The office staff examine the paper to confirm the stamp and signature match their records. Once verified, they attach the apostille sticker and return it by post. The entire procedure follows the Hague Convention rules that the UK has followed since 1965.

Fees and Processing Time

The apostille cost for a Government-Issued ID Copy in Plymouth includes a mandatory fee per document set by the government office. You pay this when you send your papers to The Legalisation Office in Milton Keynes. Turnaround time depends on which service you choose. The standard postal option takes longer but costs more than the next-day service available to registered businesses. Plan ahead to avoid rush fees and ensure your document gets where it needs to go on time for its intended use overseas.

Using Your Apostilled ID Copy Abroad

An apostille a Government-Issued ID Copy in Plymouth serves many purposes in other countries. You might need it for opening a bank account, signing a lease, or proving your identity for work. Some nations require the document to be translated after it receives the apostille certificate. The translator often must swear before a solicitor that they rendered the text accurately. Check if your destination country needs an official translation in addition to the apostille. Keep both the translated document and the apostilled copy together for presentation to foreign officials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Government-Issued ID Copy apostille FAQ

Where do I get a government-issued ID copy apostille in Plymouth?

The FCDO Legalisation Office handles all apostilles for the UK, including Plymouth. You first need a certified copy of your ID from a Notary Public or solicitor. Plymouth Register Office cannot certify ID copies, only birth, marriage and death records. Prepare to send the certified copy by post to the FCDO office in Milton Keynes. The receiving authority overseas decides if your ID type needs further steps.

Can I fast-track my ID apostille application?

The Legalisation Office offers standard and next-day services, but only registered businesses can use the faster option. The standard service by post takes up to 25 working days. Once issued, the stamped document is returned by post to your chosen address. The office works Monday to Friday and does not process applications on weekends. Always factor in delivery times when planning your submission.

Does my ID copy need notarisation before the apostille?

Notarisation requirements depend on the original document and where you'll use it. The FCDO will only accept a notarised or certified true copy for the apostille process. A local solicitor or Notary Public in Plymouth can create a certified copy with their official stamp. Some authorities abroad need the original ID and the certified copy sealed together. Check the rules of the receiving country first.

What's the official fee for a UK apostille?

The standard post-in service has a fixed fee per document. A different price applies for the express business service. Both fees cover the apostille and return delivery within the UK. The Legalisation Office accepts multiple payment methods including credit card and bank transfer. No charge applies for failed card transactions, but your application will not progress until complete.

How It Works

Four steps to your government-issued id copy apostille

No office visits. We handle your Plymouth government-issued id copy remotely with real-time tracking.

Prepare your document

Obtain the original document (or a certified copy) you need to use abroad, and check whether it must be notarised first.

Confirm the requirements

Verify the document is eligible for an apostille.

Submit to The Legalisation Office

The apostille is issued by The Legalisation Office, the competent authority. The government fee is £45 / document (standard postal); £40 / document next-day (registered businesses).

Receive your apostille

The authority attaches the apostille certificate, making the document valid abroad with no further embassy legalisation.

Where to go

Where Plymouth documents are certified and apostilled

These are two different offices doing two different jobs. The local register office issues the certified copy of a Plymouth birth, marriage or death record — check its current appointment rules before going. The apostille itself comes from the FCDO Legalisation Office, the UK's single competent authority, which accepts documents by post rather than in person.

Plymouth Register Office

Certified copies of civil records (birth, marriage, death)

Derriford Park, Derriford Business Park, Plymouth PL6 5QZ

Directions →

FCDO Legalisation Office

Issues the apostille — UK-wide, by post

PO Box 6255, Milton Keynes MK10 1XX

Directions →

Document Types