What a notarization proves
A notary public checks your identity and watches you sign, or takes your word that the signature is yours, and then completes a notarial certificate. The certificate records who appeared, where and when. It does not check that the document is true or fair.
A notary also cannot tell you what a document means or which type of notarial act you should choose. If you need that, ask the person or office that gave you the document.
What an apostille proves
An apostille is a certificate attached by a state office that confirms the signature, seal and position of the official who signed. For a notarized document, that official is the notary. The office compares the notary's details with the commission records it keeps.
It makes no statement about the content of your document. It tells a foreign office that the notary is real and was in office.
The order of steps
For a private document such as an affidavit or a power of attorney, you notarize first and apostille second. For a public record such as a certified birth certificate, the registrar's signature is already official, so you go straight to the apostille.
Doing the steps in the wrong order is the most common reason a request is returned. A notary cannot add a notarization after the apostille has been attached.
When you need only one of them
A document that will be used inside the United States rarely needs an apostille. Most domestic uses need a notarization or nothing at all. An apostille matters when the document is going to another country that belongs to the Hague Apostille Convention.
If the receiving country is not a member, it may ask for a longer chain of authentication that ends at its consulate. Ask the receiving office what it expects before you pay for anything.
Two short scenarios
A parent in Cranford signs a letter allowing a child to live with a relative in Spain. The notary confirms the parent's identity and watches the signing. The state then apostilles the notary's signature so a Spanish office can trust the stamp.
A graduate needs a diploma for a job in Germany. The school registrar signs a certified copy, and that official signature goes to the apostille office with no notary at all. Same apostille, different path to it.
A quick way to decide
Ask three questions. Where will the document be used? Is it a private document or a public record? Does the receiving office ask for an apostille by name? If the answer to the last question is no, do not assume one is needed.
MCC Solutions notarizes documents and prepares the New Jersey apostille request, so both steps can be done in the right order.
Common questions
Is an apostille a type of notarization?
No. A notarization is done by a notary. An apostille is a separate certificate issued by a state office afterward.
Does the apostille check that my document is true?
No. It only confirms the signature and capacity of the official or notary who signed.
Can I get an apostille without a notarization?
For a private document, usually not. Public records signed by a state official can be apostilled directly.
More notary guides
- Notarized Invitation Letters for Visitors Coming to Visit
- Boats, Trailers and Motorcycles: Title Notary Needs
- Do You Need a Notary for a Lease Agreement?
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation.