Notarisation and an apostille are two different processes, each serving a distinct purpose when authenticating documents.
Here’s how they differ clearly:
Notarisation:
- Definition:
Notarisation is performed by a Notary Public who verifies the authenticity of signatures, certifies the identity of signatories, witnesses the signing of documents, or certifies true copies of original documents. - Purpose:
To confirm a document is genuine, correctly executed, and legally valid. It doesn’t by itself give international acceptance but establishes credibility domestically. - Typical uses:
- Certifying signatures (e.g., contracts, affidavits, Power of attorneys)
- Witnessing legal documents
- Certifying copies of original documents (passports, IDs, academic certificates, etc.)
- Who performs it:
A Notary Public authorised by local authorities.
Apostille:
- Definition:
An apostille is a form of international certification provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) (in the UK) or the relevant competent authority in other countries. It certifies that a public official’s signature, stamp, or seal (often a notary or government official) is genuine. - Purpose:
To allow a document notarised or officially issued in one country to be legally recognised and accepted in another country under the Hague Convention (1961). - Typical uses:
- Documents for use internationally (birth/marriage certificates, university degrees, power of attorney)
- Documents submitted abroad to governments, courts, or foreign organisations.
- Who performs it:
Official government bodies (such as the FCDO in the UK), not notaries or solicitors.
Key differences at a glance:
| Aspect | Notarisation | Apostille |
|---|---|---|
| Who is it? | Notary Public | Government authority (e.g., FCDO) |
| Purpose | Domestic validation/authentication | International validation under the Hague Convention |
| Recognition | Domestic (unless apostilled) | International (countries in the Hague Apostille Convention) |
| Prerequisite | The original document, or signing in the presence | The document already notarised or officially issued |
Typical workflow example (for international use):
- Notarisation – The document is certified by a notary public.
- Apostille – The UK Government (e.g., FCDO) verifies and authenticates the notary’s signature and seal by attaching the apostille, ensuring acceptance in foreign countries under the Hague Apostille Convention.
In summary, notarisation is step one—verifying and certifying authenticity domestically—while the apostille is step two—validating documents internationally for acceptance by authorities abroad.
