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Legalization of signature
Verified 30 octobre 2019 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)
The legalization of a signature allows you to have your own signature authenticated on an act that has been written and signed without the presence of a notary. This is subject to certain conditions.
You live in France
The legalization of a signature serves to authenticate your own signature when it is affixed to an instrument that has been drafted 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 coin that is delivered or presented to it.
You must contact the town hall of your home. The following documents must be submitted:
- Part with signature to legalize
- Identification document with your signature
If you do not present ID, you must be accompanied by 2 witnesses. They must be provided with their identity document and proof of residence.
You must be present to authenticate your signature.
You must sign at the ticket office in front of the agent.
You can also do this before the notary of your choice.
The procedure is free in town hall.
You have to pay to speak to a notary. Prices are freely fixed except for the departments of Alsace-Moselle.
You live abroad
The legalization of a signature serves to authenticate your own signature when it is affixed to an instrument that has been drafted 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 coin that is delivered or presented to it.
You must contact the consulate or the embassy. The following documents must be submitted:
- Part with signature to legalize
- Identification document with your signature
If you do not present ID, you must be accompanied by 2 witnesses. They must have their identity documents and proof of residence.
You must be present to authenticate your signature.
You will have to sign at the ticket office in front of the agent.
Check with the Consulate before doing so. Some consulates do not legalize their signatures.
Who shall I contact
Data subject | Amount |
|---|---|
French registered in the French Register established outside France, his spouse and minor children of foreign nationality | €15 |
Other users of French or foreign nationality | €25 |