Quick answer: a notary checks or certifies a document, signature, identity or authority. An apostille authenticates the public official's signature or seal so the document can be recognised in another country under the Apostille Convention process.
Notarisation and apostille compared
| Question | Notarisation | Apostille |
|---|---|---|
| Who provides it? | A practising Notary Public | The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Legalisation Office |
| What does it do? | Verifies or certifies identity, signature, capacity, authority, a copy or another fact | Confirms the signature, seal or stamp of a UK public official is genuine |
| When is it used? | When a receiving authority requests notarial authentication | When a foreign authority asks for UK legalisation or an apostille |
| Typical fee | Often from £80 plus VAT for a simple document | Currently £45 paper or £35 electronic, plus delivery and any handling fee |
| Does it confirm content is true? | Only to the extent stated in the notarial certificate | No. It authenticates the public signature, seal or stamp |
What is notarisation?
Notarisation is the process by which a notary performs a formal check and records it in a notarial certificate. The exact act depends on the document and its intended use.
Common notarial acts
- Witnessing a signature
- Certifying a copy of a passport
- Checking a power of attorney
- Verifying a company signatory's authority
- Certifying degree documents
- Preparing a notarial certificate
What a notary may need to check
A notary may check identity, address, capacity, understanding, free will, authority, company records or the source of a document. These checks protect the receiving party and explain why fees vary.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a legalisation certificate issued in the UK by the Legalisation Office. It confirms that a signature, seal or stamp on a UK document matches an official record. It does not certify every statement inside the document.
The HCCH status table lists the countries and territories participating in the Apostille Convention. Requirements can still differ by receiving authority.
Do I need notarisation, an apostille, or both?
| Document | Possible route | Confirm with |
|---|---|---|
| UK birth, marriage or death certificate | Often eligible for apostille without prior notarisation | Receiving authority and GOV.UK |
| Passport copy | Notarised copy, then apostille if requested | Receiving organisation |
| Personal power of attorney | Notarial witnessing, then apostille if required | Overseas lawyer or authority |
| UK degree or transcript | Verification and notarisation may be required before apostille | University and receiving authority |
| Company power of attorney | Notarial authority checks, then apostille or further legalisation | Overseas adviser or registry |
| Foreign-issued document | Usually legalised in its country of origin | Issuing country's competent authority |
Most important step: ask the organisation receiving the document exactly what it requires. GOV.UK also advises checking whether an original or copy is needed and whether the person must sign before a particular official.
How much does an apostille cost in the UK?
At the time of review, the official fee is £45 for a paper apostille and £35 for an e-Apostille. Paper applications also have return delivery costs. A notary or legalisation agent may charge an additional service fee.
Standard paper processing can take up to 25 working days. The e-Apostille service can take up to 2 working days, but not every document is eligible. Check current prices, eligibility and timings on GOV.UK.
Can I get an electronic apostille?
An e-Apostille is a digital certificate attached to a PDF. GOV.UK says some document types, including certain civil registration, criminal record and disclosure documents, are not eligible. The receiving country and organisation must also accept the electronic format.
What is embassy or consular legalisation?
Some destinations outside the Apostille Convention process may require additional legalisation by an embassy or consulate after the UK steps. The route and fees differ by country. Confirm the chain before paying for any stage.
Frequently asked questions
Is an apostille the same as notarisation?
No. A notary performs a notarial act. The Legalisation Office issues the apostille to authenticate a UK public signature, stamp or seal.
Can I get an apostille without a notary?
Sometimes. Certain UK public documents may be eligible directly. Private documents, copies and some signed documents may need certification or notarisation first. Check the official guidance and the receiving authority's instructions.
Does an apostille make a document legally valid?
An apostille authenticates the relevant UK public signature, seal or stamp. It does not decide the legal effect of the document in the destination country.
Can a solicitor notarise a document?
A solicitor may certify some documents, but only a duly appointed Notary Public can perform a notarial act. If the overseas authority says "notarised", ask whether it specifically requires a Notary Public.
Will every country accept an apostille?
No. Check the HCCH status table and the receiving authority. Some countries require another form of consular legalisation, and some authorities impose document-specific rules.
Official sources
- GOV.UK: Get your document legalised
- GOV.UK: Apply for legalisation
- HCCH: Apostille Convention status table
Related guides
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Government fees and processing times can change. Confirm the current route before sending original documents.