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Legalization of signature
Verified 10 August 2023 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)
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
- General code for local and regional authorities: Articles L2122-27 to L2122-34-2Mayor's power to legalize signatures (Article L2122-30)
- General code for local and regional authorities: Articles R2122-7 to R2122-9Replacement of Mayor for Legalization of Signature (Article R2122-8)
- Code of Public-Administrative Relations: Articles R113-5 to R113-9Justification of domicile not required (Article R113-8)
- Decree No. 2020-1368 of November 10, 2020 on the powers of ambassadors and heads of consular posts in relation to the physical certification of signatures on private documents
- Decree No. 81-778 of 13 August 1981 fixing the tariff of fees to be collected in diplomatic and consular chancelleries and, in France, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Commercial Code: Annex 4-7Rate of legalization of signature by a notary in the departments of Bas-Rhin, Haut-Rhin and Moselle (Table 5-1)
- Judgment of the Council of State of 3 May 2002, No 230777, unpublished in the Lebon Code
- Order of 27 November 2020 on the physical certification of signatures on privately signed documents by ambassadors and heads of consular posts
- Ministerial reply of 23 September 2014 on the procedure for legalization of signature
- Ministerial reply of 5 June 2014 on the conditions for obtaining legalization of signature
- Ministerial response of 6 October 2020 on the legalization by the Mayor of the signature of a person not residing in his commune
- Legalization or Apostille of a French Document for a Foreign AuthorityService-Public.fr
- Legalization of documents of foreign origin (authentication)Service-Public.fr
- Certified true copy of a document issued by an administrationService-Public.fr