Apostille vs Notarization: What's the Difference?

Apostille and notarization sound similar but serve different purposes. Here's when you need one, the other, or both.

Many people confuse apostille and notarization. They are related in some cases, but they serve different purposes.

Notarization confirms identity, willingness, and signature execution. It's a domestic act performed by a commissioned notary public.

An apostille authenticates a public official's signature or seal for international document use under the Hague Convention.

When you need notarization: signing a power of attorney, affidavit, business agreement, real estate document, or consent letter for domestic use.

When you need an apostille: international school applications, foreign marriage, immigration paperwork, overseas employment, or international business registration.

Can a document need both? Yes. Some private documents (a power of attorney, an affidavit, a corporate resolution) must first be notarized before they can be apostilled. The order matters: notarize first, then apostille.

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