Do Documents Need to Be Notarized Before Apostille? | Apostille Guide

Many clients preparing documents for use abroad ask the same question: Do documents need to be notarized before receiving an apostille?

The answer depends on the type of document and how it was issued. Some documents must be notarized before they can receive an apostille, while others can be apostilled without notarization because they are already certified by a government authority.

Understanding whether notarization is required can help prevent delays and ensure your documents are processed correctly the first time.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is a certificate issued by a Secretary of State that verifies the authenticity of a document for use in countries that participate in the Hague Apostille Convention.

The apostille confirms that the signature, seal, or stamp on a document is legitimate so that it can be accepted internationally.

Common documents that require apostille authentication include:

• Birth certificates

• Marriage certificates

• Diplomas and transcripts

• Power of attorney documents

• Corporate records

• Court documents

However, whether the document must be notarized first depends on the document type.

Documents That Usually Do NOT Need Notarization Before Apostille

Many official government-issued records do not require notarization before they can receive an apostille.

These documents are already certified by the issuing authority and contain an official seal or registrar signature that can be authenticated by the Secretary of State.

Examples include:

• Certified birth certificates

• Certified marriage certificates

• Death certificates

• Divorce decrees

• Court orders

• Other certified government records

Because these documents are already issued by a government agency, they typically qualify for apostille authentication without additional notarization.

Documents That DO Require Notarization Before Apostille

Documents that are signed by individuals rather than issued by a government office usually must be notarized before they can receive an apostille.

A notary public verifies the identity of the signer and confirms that the document was signed voluntarily. Once notarized, the Secretary of State can authenticate the notary’s signature through the apostille process.

Examples of documents that usually require notarization include:

• Power of attorney documents

• Affidavits• Authorization letters

• Consent forms• Business agreements

• Personal statements

If these documents are not properly notarized before submission, the apostille request may be rejected.

Notarization Requirements by State

In most cases, documents that require notarization must be notarized in the same state where the document is signed.

For example:

• Documents signed in California must be notarized by a California notary public before receiving a California apostille.

• Documents signed in New York generally require notarization by a New York notary before an apostille can be issued by that state.

Because apostille procedures vary slightly between states, it is important to verify requirements before submitting documents.

Common Mistakes That Delay Apostille Processing

One of the most common reasons apostille requests are delayed is incorrect document preparation.

Some common mistakes include:

• Submitting photocopies instead of certified records

• Missing or incomplete notarization

• Incorrect notarial certificates

• Documents issued in one state but notarized in another

• Incomplete signatures

Reviewing documents carefully before submission can help avoid these issues and ensure faster processing.

Need Help With Apostille Processing?

If you are unsure whether your document requires notarization before receiving an apostille, it is best to have the document reviewed before submission.

Our apostille service assists clients across the United States by reviewing documents, coordinating apostille processing, and helping avoid common errors that can delay authentication.

If you are ready to begin, you can submit your request online and we will review your documents and provide the next steps for processing.

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