If you’re searching for “apostille notary”, it’s likely because you have a notarized document that you need to legalize for use in another country — whether for immigration, marriage abroad, business, or education. But many people are confused about what role a notary plays in the apostille process and how both services work together.
In this article, we explain the difference between notarization and apostille, the steps to follow, and how Apostille de la Haya makes the entire process seamless from start to finish.
What Is the Difference Between a Notary and an Apostille?
A notary public in the United States is authorized to witness and certify the signing of documents, ensuring the identity of the signer and the voluntary nature of the act. Common documents that require notarization include:
- Affidavits
- Power of attorney
- Letters of consent
- Contracts and authorizations
- Declaration of single status
An apostille, on the other hand, is a certificate issued by the Secretary of State (not the notary) that authenticates the notary’s signature and commission — making the notarized document legally valid in other countries under the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961.
Can a Notary Public Apostille a Document?
No. A notary public cannot issue an apostille. The notary’s job is to verify the identity of the signer and notarize the document. Once the document is notarized, it must be sent to the Secretary of State (or equivalent state authority) to be apostilled.
This is where Apostille de la Haya comes in — we handle both steps for you: notarization and apostille.
Common Documents That Need to Be Notarized and Then Apostilled
- Power of attorney for use abroaAffidavits for immigration, property, or family matters
- Parental travel consent letters
- Letters of authorization
- Academic or employment declarations
- Business agreements to be used internationally
How Apostille de la Haya Handles the Process for You
At Apostille de la Haya, we offer an all-in-one service that includes both notarization and apostille, saving you time and avoiding costly mistakes.
Here’s how it works:
1. Online or In-Person Notarization
We provide online notarization through our Notary Public Center division for most U.S. states, including identity verification by knowledge-based questions, facial biometrics, and video conference. We also offer in-person appointments if needed.
2. Document Review and Preparation
We check that your document meets the legal requirements for apostille in your state, and assist you in correcting or reissuing any documents if needed.
3. Apostille Submission
We submit the notarized document to the appropriate Secretary of State and handle the state fees, forms, and tracking. Apostilles are processed in compliance with Hague Convention standards.
4. Delivery and Support
Once apostilled, your documents are sent securely to your home, business, or international destination. We also offer certified translations if required by the destination country.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for help with a notarized document that needs to be apostilled, you’re not alone — and you’re in the right place. The process can be confusing, but with Apostille de la Haya, everything is handled for you in one place: notarization, apostille, translation, and delivery.
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.
