Apostille and notary are two important certification processes for various documents. Still, they serve different purposes, and knowing which one you need is crucial for hassle-free documentation.
Below, we discussed a comparison between apostille certification vs. notarization to help you identify which service you need. Keep reading this guide with apostille and notary public explained.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates your document’s origin. This certifies that the document is legitimate for international use by member countries of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Moreover, apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State, either in person or through the help of a professional service offering apostille near Los Angeles.
How about apostille vs. embassy legalization? Embassy legalization is done if your documents will be used in countries not part of the Hague Convention. It’s similar to an apostille but includes additional steps and is issued by an embassy or consulate.
When do you need an apostille?
When to apostille a document, you ask? Basically, if you’re using the document overseas, you’ll have to obtain an apostille or embassy legalization, depending on its destination.
For example, you’ll need an apostille for your academic diploma and transcripts if you’re planning to study abroad. The same goes for corporate documents if you’re planning to do business overseas.
What does a notary do?
Notary public services in Encino witness the signing of documents to ensure that all signatures are authentic and affixed without any duress. The notary public also needs to confirm the identities of the signees before notarizing a certain document.
Meanwhile, there’s also a type of notary called a ‘jurat’, where the notary public conducts an oath. During the oath, the signees affirm the truthfulness of the document’s content before signing.
So, what’s the difference between apostille vs. notarization for legal documents? Apostille is the legalization of your document for international use, while a notary is simply the verification of the signer’s identity.
When do you need a notary?
Generally, you need notarization when signing legal documents, sworn statements, business transactions, and other formal documents. This is to prevent fraud and ensure that the documents are legally binding domestically.
Depending on the document type, you’ll also need notarization as part of the apostille requirements. Requesting agencies may also ask for notarization for certain documents and purposes.
Questions about notary public vs apostille
Do I need an apostille or a notary for international documents?
When it comes to notary vs. apostille for international use, the answer is both. Depending on the type of document, you’ll need to have it notarized first before requesting an apostille from the Secretary of State.
Take note that California notaries are recognized within the United States only. If you need document certification for international use, you should also know how to get an apostille after notarization.
When do I need an apostille instead of notarization?
If you’re going to use your document in a Hague Convention-member country, you need an apostille. Also, a notary is often the first step in preparing for an apostille request, except if you’re submitting vital records, such as birth certificates or divorce certificates.
Overall, if you only need to use the document locally, there’s no need to secure an apostille.
Is notarization enough for international documents?
No, notarization is not enough to make a document admissible for overseas use. You will need to obtain an apostille certification or embassy legalization, depending on the country of destination of your document.
Overall, notarization remains an important step when legalizing any public document, but it’s important to know that this is only one step of the process.
Can a notary issue an apostille?
No, notaries are not mandated or allowed to issue apostilles or embassy legalization. They can only witness and certify signings and administer oaths over a document’s accuracy.
Only the Secretary of State can issue an apostille. If you need embassy legalization, you should consult the nearest embassy or consulate of your destination country.
Conclusion
Knowing when to notarize a document or get an apostille will ensure you have all the documentary requirements, especially if you’re traveling abroad. Both are crucial processes, but it’s important to know which one you need and when.
When in doubt, you can consult your local government agencies or seek the guidance of a documentation professional.
