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Legalization of signature

Verified 13 April 2023 - Legal and Administrative Information Directorate (Prime Minister)

What is the purpose of legalizing signatures? Where to go? What evidence should be submitted? We tell you the rules to know about the legalization of signature depending on whether you live in France or abroad.

In France

Step-by-step approach

Signature legalization is used to authenticate your own signature where it is affixed to a document which has been drawn up and signed without the presence of a notary.

The procedure is used to verify that you are the person concerned by the document.

Please note

an authority may not require the legalization of a signature on a document given or presented to it. Thus, the request for legalization of a signature may come from a private body or from a foreign authority.

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.

Who shall I contact

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

Signature legalization is used to authenticate your own signature where it is affixed to a document which has been drawn up and signed without the presence of a notary.

The procedure is used to verify that you are the person concerned by the document.

Please note

an authority may not require the legalization of a signature on a document given or presented to it. Thus, the request for legalization of a signature may come from a private body or from a foreign authority.

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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.