Apostille vs. Authentication: What’s the Difference?
Not all document authentications are the same—here’s how to tell which one you need.
People often use the terms “apostille” and “authentication” interchangeably—but they’re not the same. Understanding the difference is crucial when sending documents abroad.
An apostille is used for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. It’s a certificate attached to your document that verifies its authenticity for international use.
If the destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, the document must go through an “authentication” process, which often includes:
- Notarization
- Certification by the Secretary of State
- Legalization at the country’s consulate or embassy
At Bloomington Notary, we help determine whether you need an apostille or authentication based on your destination and document type. Let us take the guesswork out of the process.