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Legalization of signature
Verified 10 August 2023 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)
An act drawn up and signed by private individuals without the presence of a notary (for example, a contract)
What is the purpose of legalization of signatures, also known as physical certification of signatures? Where to go? What evidence should be submitted? We tell you the rules to know depending on whether you live in France or abroad.
What applies to you ?
In France
Step-by-step approach
The legalization of signature (or hardware signature certification) is used to authenticate your own signature when affixed to a private act.
The procedure is used to verify that you are the person concerned by the document.
The procedure concerns only your signature. It does not concern not the content of the act.
For example, if you are a sworn translator, legalization is only for your signature, not your foreign language translation.
One private body or a foreign authority may require you to legalize (or physically certify) your signature.
On the other hand, a French administration cannot require the legalization (or physical certification) of a signature affixed to a document handed to it or presented to it.
Warning
Legalization of signature (or physical certification of signature) should not be confused with the legalization of a foreigner public document, or with the legalization or apostille of a French public document to a foreign authority. These procedures are used to attest to the veracity of the signature, the function and authority of the signatory and the identity of the seal or stamp.
The approach is free in town hall.
The approach is paying if you are talking to a notary. Prices are freely set (the rules are different in Alsace-Moselle).
Prepare the following documents:
- Document with signature to legalize
- Your signature is on an ID
Town Hall
You can contact the town hall of your home (primary or secondary residence).
Legalization of your signature is mandatory in your presence : you must sign at the counter in front of the agent.
If you do not present an ID, you must be accompanied by 2 witnesses. They must present their identity document and proof of residence.
FYI
You don't have to show proof of domicile to have your signature legalized. However, the City Hall can check the declared address and ask you to provide proof.
Notary
You can have your signature legalized in front of the notary of your choice.
Who shall I contact
Abroad
Step-by-step approach
The legalization of signature (or hardware signature certification) is used to authenticate your own signature when affixed to a private act.
The procedure is used to verify that you are the person concerned by the document.
The procedure concerns only your signature. It does not concern not the content of the act.
For example, if you are a sworn translator, legalization is only for your signature, not your foreign language translation.
One private body or a foreign authority may require you to legalize (or physically certify) your signature.
On the other hand, a French administration cannot require the legalization (or physical certification) of a signature affixed to a document handed to it or presented to it.
Warning
Legalization of signature (or physical certification of signature) should not be confused with the legalization of a foreigner public document, or with the legalization or apostille of a French public document to a foreign authority. These procedures are used to attest to the veracity of the signature, the function and authority of the signatory and the identity of the seal or stamp.
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You are registered in the register of French people established outside France
Signature legalization costs €15 for a French registered in the Register of French outside France.
This price also applies to her spouse and minor children of foreign nationality.
You're in a different situation
Signature legalization costs €25.
Prepare the following documents:
- Document with signature to legalize
- Your signature is on an ID
You must contact the consulate or to the embassy.
However, check with the consulate before how is the request made because some consulates do not make legalization of signature.
Legalization of your signature is mandatory in your presence : you must sign at the counter in front of the agent.
If you do not present an ID, you must be accompanied by 2 witnesses. They must present their identity document and proof of residence.
Who shall I contact
Mayor's power to legalize signatures (Article L2122-30)
Replacement of Mayor for Legalization of Signature (Article R2122-8)
Justification of domicile not required (Article R113-8)
Rate of legalization of signature by a notary in the departments of Bas-Rhin, Haut-Rhin and Moselle (Table 5-1)
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