Apostille vs. Notarization: What’s the Difference?

If you're sending documents overseas, it’s important to know the difference between an apostille and a notarization—they're not the same thing.

A notarization is a local process where a notary verifies your signature or identity. It’s commonly used for domestic documents like affidavits, contracts, and real estate forms.

An apostille, on the other hand, is a form of international certification issued by the U.S. Department of State or a state authority. It verifies that your documents (including FBI background checks) are authentic for use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Bottom line: If you're sending a document within the U.S., notarization is usually sufficient. If you're using it internationally, you’ll likely need an apostille—and possibly a certified translation as well.

We make that process simple, fast, and accurate.