Do you need notarization, apostille or legalization?

I am often asked if a document needs to be notarized; an apostille affixed or should be Embassy/Consulate legalized. Not being an attorney, I can not give legal advice. But, I can say the answer is: it depends on the requirements of the person or organization receiving the document. They have their requirements - it is those requirements that determine what processing the document must receive.

It is rare for documents originating in the US and to be used in the US to require an apostille or legalization. Those processes are generally for documents that originate in the US and are destined to be used in a different country. But, ever there; there are exceptions to the general rule. I have had cases where a locally used document required an apostille on the chance that it might be used in evidence in a foreign court!

In New York State even the notarization procedure has an option. After the notary affixes their seal and stamp; an additional step, authentication of the notary signature can be requested. Usually this additional step is part of the apostille or legalization procedure. However, I have often been requested to provide authenticated notarizations for documents to be used in court. It's a "best practice" for the notary to always emboss documents when they affix their rubber stamp "seal." The embossing is proof positive that the document is the original.

I have placed checklists and tips regarding the above, and much more on my web site: NewYorkMobileNotaryPublic.com and I invite you to brows the research that I have posted. I often use the "Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder" phrase to explain that, while I can provide a variety of service; I cannot specify what service is required. Case in point: marriage license. I have notarized, obtained notary authentication, obtained an apostille; and added legalization to the apostille - for a marriage license destined for use in China. For other clients, just notarizing a copy of the marriage license is what they need. Until next time, Kenneth A Edelstein

keywords: Mobil Notary | All Purpose New York Notary | Apostille Processing | Legalization and Fingerprinting