Practical & Legal
Notarization
Also known as: Notary Public, Notarisation, Notarial Act
Quick answer
US Department of State — notarial services overseas · UK Government — document legalisation · HCCH — Apostille Convention · checked 9 Nov 2026
For example, US embassies and consulates offer notarial services that involve verifying identity and witnessing signatures. Some US states permit remote notarisation under their own conditions, so physical presence is not a universal rule.
For a document intended for another country, ask the receiving authority whether it requires notarisation, an original or certified copy, translation and any further authentication. These are distinct steps. A notarised document may also need an apostille where the Hague Convention applies, but the apostille authenticates its origin rather than approving the contents.
Sources
- US Department of State — notarial services overseas · checked 9 Nov 2026
- UK Government — document legalisation · checked 9 Nov 2026
- HCCH — Apostille Convention · checked 9 Nov 2026
Related terms
Apostille
An apostille certifies the origin of a public document for use where the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention applies. It replaces diplomatic or consular legalisation, but does not certify the document's contents or determine its legal effect.
Hague Conventions
The Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) develops treaties that help legal systems cooperate across borders. Its conventions cover subjects including public-document authentication, child abduction, intercountry adoption and service of legal documents.
Power of Attorney (POA)
A power of attorney is a legal document authorising another person to act or make specified decisions on someone's behalf. Its scope, duration and requirements depend on the governing law and the wording of the document.