If you’ve been told to notarize your documents and get an apostille, you’re not alone in wondering: aren’t they the same thing?
The truth is — they’re not. They are two completely different legal processes, and both are often required when you plan to use your documents internationally.
At Apostille de La Haya, we specialize in helping you understand, complete, and process both steps — notarization and apostille — without confusion or wasted time.
In this article, we’ll explain what each service means, how they differ, and why you might need both. Most importantly, you’ll learn how we handle both services for you, so you don’t have to deal with government offices or paperwork errors.
What Is a Notary?
A notary public is a licensed official who serves as a neutral witness to the signing of legal documents. The notary’s job is to:
Verify the identity of the signer
Ensure the signer is acting willingly and knowingly
Prevent fraud or coercion
Apply a seal and notarial certificate to the document
A notarized document is generally accepted as valid in the United States, but it is not automatically valid abroad. That’s where the apostille comes in.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a special international certificate issued by a government authority that verifies the authenticity of a document or a notarial act.
It is used only for countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention and confirms that:
The notary public is legitimate
The signature and seal are recognized by the issuing government
The document can be legally accepted in the receiving country
An apostille is not issued by the notary, but by a designated state or federal authority (like the Secretary of State or the U.S. Department of State).
Notary vs Apostille: The Key Differences
| Feature | Notary | Apostille |
|---|---|---|
| Who issues it? | Licensed notary public | Government authority (state or federal) |
| What does it do? | Confirms identity, witness signature | Confirms authenticity of document/signature for international use |
| When is it needed? | Domestic legal use or as part of apostille prep | When sending documents abroad (Hague countries) |
| Where is it valid? | Within the U.S. | In other countries that are Hague members |
| Can Apostille de La Haya help? | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
When Do You Need Both?
In many cases, you will need both services — notarization and apostille — for the same document. Here are some examples:
Power of Attorney to Use Abroad
Must be notarized first, then apostilled to be valid in the foreign country.
Affidavits or Declarations for Immigration
Notarization confirms identity and signature. Apostille makes it legal internationally.
School or Employment Documents
If issued by private institutions or translated, they often require notarization first, followed by an apostille.
Parental Consent Letters for Minors
These documents require notarization to prove they’re signed voluntarily, and apostille to be accepted abroad.
What Happens If I Only Do One Step?
If you only notarize a document and send it abroad, it may be rejected because the foreign authority cannot verify the notary’s legitimacy.
If you only apostille a document that was never notarized (and isn’t an official government document), the apostille office will reject the request.
That’s why both steps are often required, and skipping one can delay your plans.
Apostille de La Haya – We Handle Both Services Seamlessly
You don’t need to visit multiple offices, figure out forms, or worry about errors. At Apostille de La Haya, we:
Notarize Your Documents
In-person or remote options
Review to ensure all requirements are met
Apostille Your Documents
Determine whether state or federal apostille is needed
Complete all necessary forms
Submit to the correct authority
Track and deliver your apostilled document safely
Ensure 100% Legal Validity
Our experience guarantees that your document meets international standards for acceptance — from the first signature to the final apostille seal.
Real Use Cases
- Ana, applying for dual citizenship in Spain, needed a sworn affidavit notarized and apostilled. We did both steps for her, including delivery to the Spanish consulate.
- Carlos, opening a company in Colombia, required his corporate resolutions to be notarized and apostilled. He left everything in our hands — no errors, no delays.
- Lucía, sending consent documents for her child’s trip to Mexico, needed urgent assistance. We provided same-day notarization and managed express apostille handling.
Let Us Take Care of Both Steps — Start to Finish
At Apostille de La Haya, we simplify the international document process by:
Reviewing your documents
Notarizing them correctly
Obtaining the apostille from the right authority
Returning your documents ready for use abroad
Contact us today and get everything done in one place — professionally and stress-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need both a notary and an apostille for my document?
If your document will be used in another country, most likely yes. We’ll confirm it for you.
2. Can I get a document apostilled without notarizing it?
At Apostille de La Haya, we carefully review your document first and let you know exactly which process — notarization, apostille, or both — is required for your specific case.
3. Can Apostille de La Haya handle everything?
Absolutely. We handle notarization and apostille for you — securely, legally, and efficiently.
The information contained in this publication is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or using this content does not create and is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. No reader or user should act or refrain from acting based on the information presented herein without first consulting an attorney duly licensed to practice law in their jurisdiction.
