Apostille: it is now issued by notaries

Apostille and legalization: what is it?

To submit a French public document to a foreign authority, the prior authentication of the signature of the authority that issued the document may be required:

• Legalization is the procedure for prior authentication of the signature of the issuing authority.
• The Apostille is a simplified procedure for legalization. It replaces legalization for the countries where it applies, i.e. countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961.

Both the legalization and the apostille attest to the veracity of the signature of the author of the act, to the capacity in which the signatory of the act acted and, if necessary, to the identity of the seal or stamp indicated on the act.

Sample Documents on which you may need an apostille or legalization:

• civil status records (birth, marriage, death);
• school diplomas and certificates;
• Judgments and judicial decisions;
• notarial acts;
• administrative certificates (criminal record, residence certificates, etc.).

What changed on May 1, 2025

Through 15 regional councils or interdepartmental chambers of competent notaries, since 1^er  May 2025, Notaries of France deliver the apostilles instead of the attorneys general of the 33 appeals courts.

Which regime does my document belong to: apostille, legalization or dispensation?

To check if the document should be legalized, apostilled or is exempt from formality, you should consult the summary of rules by country updated by the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Learn more about the reform of the Apostille

• On the Service-Public website: Legalization or apostille of a public act drawn up by a French authority ;
• On the website notaires.fr: What public acts and official documents may require an apostille or legalization?