How to Speed Up the Solicitor Certification Process: A Complete Guide

Solicitor certification is an essential step in various legal and official transactions, ensuring your documents are verified and accepted by authorities. Whether you’re applying for a visa, property transaction, business registration, or legal verification, having a certified solicitor confirm the authenticity of your documents can save time and prevent legal issues.

To help you streamline the process, follow these 10 essential steps to get your documents certified efficiently.

1. Understand the Purpose of Solicitor Certification

Before starting, identify why your document requires solicitor certification. The type of certification varies based on the purpose, such as:

• Property transactions (e.g., land registration, mortgage applications)
• Immigration and visa applications (certified copies of passports, bank statements)
• Business and corporate filings (contract verification, company formation)
• Official verifications (statutory declarations, power of attorney)

✅ Pro Tip: Always check with the relevant authority (e.g., government office, embassy, or financial institution) to confirm their specific certification requirements.

2. Gather All Necessary Documents

One of the most common delays in the solicitor certification process is missing or incorrect paperwork. Ensure a smooth process by:

✅ Creating a checklist of required original documents (passport, ID card, birth certificate, academic records, contracts)
✅ Making high-quality photocopies of each document
✅ Bringing valid identification (passport or driver’s license) for verification

💡 Pro Tip: Some solicitors only accept specific types of ID. Confirm in advance if you need additional proof, such as a utility bill or bank statement.

3. Choose the Right Solicitor for Certification

Not all solicitors provide document certification services. Before booking an appointment, consider:

✅ Checking local solicitors’ websites to confirm they offer solicitor certification
✅ Comparing fees (some may charge extra for urgent certifications)
✅ Asking about turnaround times—some law firms offer same-day service, while others take longer

💡 Pro Tip: Smaller law firms or specialized notary services often provide faster and more affordable certification options.

4. Book Your Certification Appointment in Advance

To avoid unnecessary delays:

✅ Call and schedule your appointment early, especially if you have deadlines
✅ Provide full details about the documents needing solicitor certification
✅ Ask for estimated processing times (some certifications take 15-30 minutes, while others require more review)

💡 Pro Tip: Avoid busy times like Monday mornings or Friday afternoons—midweek mornings usually have shorter wait times.

5. Be Fully Prepared Before Your Appointment

Solicitors need specific information to certify your documents. Have the following ready:

✅ Full names, addresses, and contact details of involved parties
✅ Any case reference numbers related to the document
✅ Exact wording if a specific certification statement is required (e.g., “I certify this is a true copy of the original.”)

💡 Pro Tip: If the authority receiving your document has a preferred certification format, bring an example for the solicitor to follow.

6. Know When You Need an Alternative Certification

Sometimes, solicitor certification alone is not enough—you may need:

🔹 Apostille Certification – Necessary for official use in foreign countries
🔹 Embassy Legalisation – Required for certain non-Hague Convention countries

💡 Pro Tip: If your document requires an apostille, Prime Apostille can help expedite the process for faster approval.

7. Double-Check for Accuracy

Errors in your documents can lead to rejection or delays. Before leaving the solicitor’s office, verify:

✅ Correct spelling of names and addresses
✅ Dates and document numbers
✅ That the solicitor certification stamp and signature are correctly placed

💡 Pro Tip: If submitting scanned certified copies, ensure the receiving authority accepts digital versions or if they require physical originals.

8. Follow Up Promptly

If you haven’t received your certified documents within the expected timeframe:

✅ Call or email to check the status
✅ Provide any additional information if required
✅ Ensure there are no unexpected delays due to missing details

💡 Pro Tip: Keep a record of your solicitor’s contact details for easy follow-ups and future certifications.

9. Plan for Unexpected Delays

Even with careful planning, delays may occur due to:

🔹 Solicitor availability (busy periods, holidays)
🔹 Additional document verifications
🔹 Regulatory changes requiring extra steps

💡 Pro Tip: If certification is time-sensitive, ask about same-day service or expedited options—some firms offer fast-tracked document certification for an additional fee.

10. Maintain Good Communication with Your Solicitor

To make the solicitor certification process as smooth as possible:

✅ Respond quickly to any emails or phone calls
✅ Provide requested information systematically
✅ Ask clear questions if you need guidance

💡 Pro Tip: Building a long-term relationship with a solicitor can make future certifications quicker and easier.

Get Your Solicitor Certification Done Fast & Hassle-Free

Speeding up the solicitor certification process is all about preparation, choosing the right solicitor, and ensuring accuracy. Whether you need certified copies of legal documents, business contracts, or visa paperwork, following these best practices will save time and prevent unnecessary stress.

For international document certification or apostille services, Prime Apostille provides fast and reliable processing—helping you meet deadlines with ease.

Contact Prime Apostille for Expert Document Certification Services

For specialized apostille and solicitor certification services, contact Prime Apostille today:

📍 Website: www.primeapostile.com
📧 Email: info@primeapostile.com
📞 Phone: +44 (0) 207 183 8043