What’s the Difference Between a Notary and an Apostille?

Estimated read time: 1–2 minutes

If you’ve ever been told you need an “apostille,” you’re not alone in wondering what that actually means, or how it differs from getting something notarized. At Elite Notary Signing, we handle both, so here’s a clear breakdown to help you understand the difference.

What Does a Notary Do?

A notary public verifies your identity and watches you sign a document. Their job is to prevent fraud and confirm that you willingly signed the paperwork. Common notarized documents include power of attorney forms, affidavits, and advance directives.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is a separate certification used to authenticate a document for international use under the Hague Convention. It proves that your notarized or government-issued document is genuine, so it can be recognized in another country.

When Do You Need Both?

In many cases, a document must be:

1. Notarized first – to confirm it’s legally signed in the U.S.

2. Then apostilled – to make it legally valid overseas.

Who Issues Apostilles?

In the U.S., apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State in each state, depending on where the notarization took place or where the document originated.

How Elite Notary Signing Helps

We make the process simple. We’ll notarize your document, review it for apostille eligibility, and submit it to the right office—whether it’s for Georgia, another U.S. state, or the U.S. Department of State.