When it comes to legal documents, there are various processes that must be followed to ensure their authenticity and validity. Two of the most common processes are notarization and apostille. In this article, we will discuss the differences between notarization and apostille.
Main Differences between Notarisation and Apostille:
What is Notarization?
Notarization is the process of having a legal document certified by a notary public. A notary public is a state-appointed official who is authorized to witness and certify the signing of legal documents. The notary verifies the identity of the person signing the document, ensures that they are signing the document voluntarily, and administers an oath or affirmation that the contents of the document are true.
What is Apostille?
Apostille is a certification process that is used to verify the authenticity of a legal document for use in a foreign country. It is an official certification issued by the government of the country where the document was issued. An apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature of the official who signed the document, as well as the authenticity of the seal or stamp on the document.
Differences between Notarization and Apostille
Purpose
Notarization is used to verify the identity of the person signing the document, as well as the authenticity of their signature. It is commonly used for legal documents that will be used within the same state or country.
Apostille, on the other hand, is used to verify the authenticity of a legal document for use in a foreign country. It is a requirement under the Hague Convention, which is an international treaty that governs the recognition of foreign public documents.
Process
Notarization is a simple process that involves the signing of a legal document in the presence of a notary public. The notary public then verifies the identity of the signer and administers an oath or affirmation.
Apostille, on the other hand, is a more complex process. It involves obtaining an apostille certificate from the government agency that issued the original document. The certificate verifies the authenticity of the signature and seal on the document.
Cost
Notarization is generally an inexpensive process, with the cost depending on the location and the type of document being notarized.
Apostille, on the other hand, can be more costly, as it involves obtaining a certificate from a government agency. The cost can vary depending on the state or country where the document was issued.
Conclusion
In conclusion, notarization and apostille are two different processes used to verify the authenticity of legal documents. Notarization is used to verify the identity of the signer and the authenticity of their signature, while apostille is used to verify the authenticity of a legal document for use in a foreign country. While notarization is a relatively simple and inexpensive process, obtaining an apostille can be more complex and costly.