Certified True Copy Service
Solicitor-certified copies for banking, official, legal and overseas use
Remote service available
About the Author
KH is a practising solicitor based in London, admitted in England & Wales and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. He is registered with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. KH has worked as legal counsel and in-house solicitor across leading firms and corporations. He personally oversees every apostille and legalisation case at Ginkgo Advisory, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and end-to-end quality control.
KH Lam, LLB, LLM
Legal Consultant of Ginkgo Advisory
Get your UK driving licence verified and certified remotely for use overseas, with express paper apostille and electronic options.
Ginkgo Advisory provides remote solicitor verification and certification of UK driving licences. We can arrange a 2-working-day express paper apostille, with same-working-day solicitor e-certification and e-Apostille options available for eligible applications.
If you are converting your UK driving licence to an Italian licence, or preparing documents for another country, we can help with the certified supporting documents your receiving authority requests.
Our UK driving licence services
| Service | What we provide |
|---|---|
| Remote solicitor verification | Checks of your driving licence and relevant supporting records, with your consent |
| Remote solicitor certification | A solicitor-certified copy following satisfactory checks |
| Express paper apostille | An FCDO paper apostille arranged in 2 working days once the certified document is ready for submission |
| Solicitor e-certification and e-Apostille | An electronically certified document and FCDO e-Apostille, with same-working-day service available for eligible applications |
Express timings depend on completed checks, submission cut-off times and FCDO processing. Postal and courier delivery take additional time. We confirm the available service and expected completion date before you proceed.
Can a UK driving licence be certified remotely?
Yes. We offer remote solicitor certification of UK driving licences, subject to satisfactory verification and the receiving authority’s requirements.
You can begin the process from the UK or overseas by sending clear images of the front and back of your licence. We then explain the checks needed, including any remote inspection of the original.
This service is useful if you are already living abroad and need a certified copy without visiting a solicitor’s office in the UK.
The certification wording will reflect the document examined and the checks completed.
What is the difference between verification, certification and an apostille?
These services serve different purposes.
Solicitor verification involves checking the licence and relevant information against supporting evidence or official records.
For licences issued in England, Wales or Scotland, the DVLA’s online service allows drivers to share their driving record using a check code. This can support checks of driving entitlements and recorded restrictions. The code is valid for 21 days.
Solicitor certification provides a signed statement about the copy or document examined. A check of the DVLA record and certification of a licence copy are distinct steps.
An FCDO apostille authenticates the relevant signature, seal or stamp on the certified document. It does not itself confirm eligibility to exchange your licence overseas. GOV.UK specifically lists certified copies of driving licences among the documents that can be legalised.
If your authority requests a separate DVLA letter or certificate of entitlement, send us the wording. A solicitor-certified licence copy should not be assumed to replace that document.
Converting a UK driving licence to an Italian licence
Eligible UK licence holders can exchange their licence for an Italian driving licence under the UK–Italy agreement, subject to its conditions. Applications are handled by the local Ufficio della Motorizzazione Civile.
If your Italian office or adviser requests a solicitor-certified copy, verification statement or apostille, Ginkgo Advisory can assist with preparing those supporting documents remotely.
Check the local office’s written requirements before ordering. Certification and an apostille should not be assumed to be compulsory for every Italian licence exchange.
Ask the receiving office to confirm:
- Which document it needs certified or verified.
- Whether an apostille is required.
- Whether it accepts an electronic document or requires paper.
- Whether it requires an official Italian translation.
GOV.UK notes that an official translation may be requested in some cases. Certification and legalisation do not replace a required translation.
Our service prepares the requested UK documentation. The Italian authority decides whether you meet the exchange requirements and issues the Italian licence.
Using your UK driving licence in another country
We can also assist when an overseas licensing authority, government department or other organisation requests a verified or solicitor-certified copy of your UK driving licence.
Tell us the destination country and provide the recipient’s instructions. These help us establish whether you need certification alone, a paper apostille or an electronic option.
Document preparation is separate from licence-exchange eligibility. The receiving authority’s rules determine whether your UK licence can be exchanged and which supporting documents it will accept.
Paper apostille or e-Apostille?
Express paper apostille in 2 working days
Our paper service is suitable when the recipient requires a physical certified document.
Once verification and solicitor certification are complete, we arrange the express apostille process. The completed paper document can then be sent to your chosen delivery address.
Same-working-day e-certification and e-Apostille
For eligible applications, we offer solicitor e-certification and an e-Apostille on the same working day, subject to availability and FCDO processing.
The electronic route uses a PDF signed electronically by a UK solicitor, followed by an FCDO e-Apostille. Confirm that your receiving authority accepts this format before choosing it.
Your completed electronic document can be shared digitally, avoiding postal delivery time.
How our remote service works
1. Send your licence and requirements
Provide clear colour images of both sides of your licence, your destination country, the receiving authority’s instructions and your deadline.
2. Receive a quote and complete verification
We review your documents, explain the appropriate service and confirm the fee. We then guide you through the required checks and request your consent for any relevant record verification.
For a DVLA-issued licence, this may include providing a fresh check code. If your licence was issued in Northern Ireland, tell us at the outset so we can assess the appropriate verification route.
3. Receive your certified and apostilled document
After satisfactory checks, we arrange solicitor certification and the selected apostille service. You receive the completed paper document or electronic file, depending on your chosen option.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the service while living outside the UK?
Yes. Our remote service is available to clients overseas, subject to completing the necessary checks and confirming the recipient’s requirements.
Do I need to post my original driving licence?
Eligible cases can be handled remotely without posting the original to us. We will confirm this after reviewing your documents and the required form of certification.
Is a DVLA check code the same as a certified copy?
No. A check code allows access to driving-record information. A certified copy carries a solicitor’s certification statement. Your recipient may request one, both or a different supporting document.
Is solicitor certification the same as notarisation?
No. If the receiving authority specifically requires a notary, send us its instructions before booking. The required certifier should be confirmed in advance.
Can I order certification without an apostille?
Yes. If your recipient only requires solicitor verification or a certified copy, we can provide the relevant service without an apostille.
How much does the service cost?
The fee depends on the checks required, the certification format, your chosen apostille service and any delivery arrangements. Send us your documents and requirements for a quotation.
Request UK driving licence certification and apostille
Contact Ginkgo Advisory to arrange remote solicitor verification, certification and apostille services for your UK driving licence.
Send clear images of both sides of your licence, tell us where it will be used and include any instructions from the receiving authority.
Email: info@ginkgoadvisory.com
Enquiries: Contact Ginkgo Advisory
Ask about our 2-working-day express paper apostille or same-working-day e-certification and e-Apostille options.
Contact Us
Address
Suite 161, 30 Red Lion Street, London, TW9 1RB, England