One of the most common questions we receive is whether a document needs to be notarized before it can be apostilled. While the two processes are often connected, they serve very different purposes.

 

A notarization verifies the identity of the person signing a document and confirms that the signature was made willingly. The notary public does not certify the accuracy of the document itself. Instead, the notary verifies the signing process.

 

An apostille is different. An apostille authenticates a document so it can be recognized by foreign governments, courts, universities, employers, and other institutions in countries that participate in the Hague Apostille Convention.

 

Some documents are already issued by a government agency and may not require notarization before apostille processing. Examples often include certified birth certificates, marriage certificates, and death certificates. Other documents, such as powers of attorney, affidavits, authorization letters, business agreements, and certain corporate records, commonly require notarization before an apostille can be issued.

 

Because every document is different, the best first step is a document review. We help determine whether your document appears ready for apostille processing or whether additional notarization or certification may be required before submission.

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