--- title: "Apostille vs Notarization: What Each One Proves | MCC" description: "A notarization confirms who signed. An apostille confirms the notary or official is genuine. Learn what each proves, in what order, and when you need both." url: "https://mcc-solutionsnj.com/notary/guides/apostille-vs-notarization-what-each-one-proves" --- Guide · Updated October 28, 2026 # Apostille vs Notarization: What Each One Proves People often use the two words as if they mean the same thing. They do not. One is done by a notary in your presence. The other is done later by a state office, and only some documents ever need it. By [Matthew Coleman](/about), MCC Solutions Need this notarized? Sign online from home with no travel fee, or ask for a notary to come to you. The price is shown and confirmed before any work starts, and you can book in about two minutes. [See your price and book](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:9084446373) **Related:** [Who can witness a signing](/notary/guides/who-can-and-cannot-be-a-witness-to-a-signing) · [How much a NJ notary can charge](/notary/guides/how-much-does-a-notary-cost-in-new-jersey) · [What ID you need for a notary](/notary/guides/what-id-do-you-need-for-a-notary) **Free tools:** [Printable notary journal template](/notary/notary-journal-template) · [Does my document need a notary?](/notary/does-my-document-need-a-notary) ✓ New Jersey commissioned notary, no. 50244803, insured for errors and omissions. [See the credentials](/about/credentials) ## 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. Signing something for use abroad? [The online notary and apostille package](/notary/packages/online-notary-apostille-package). 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](/notary/guides/visitor-invitation-letter-notarization) - [Boats, Trailers and Motorcycles: Title Notary Needs](/notary/guides/boat-trailer-motorcycle-title-notary) - [Do You Need a Notary for a Lease Agreement?](/notary/guides/lease-agreement-notarization) This guide is general information, not legal advice. Fees and procedures change; check with the office involved or an attorney for your situation. Let us handle it [### Apostille Services We notarize your document and handle the New Jersey apostille for use abroad. State fee and our fee quoted up front. Powers of attorney, affidavits, school records. Apostille services →](/notary/apostille-services)[### Mobile Notary A mobile notary near you in New Jersey, at your home, office, hospital or job site. Affidavits, powers of attorney, vehicle titles and business documents. Book online. Mobile notary →](/notary/mobile-notary)[All guides](/notary/guides) Reach notaries, signing agents and people getting documents notarized or apostilled who read this guide: [advertise here](/advertise#notary). ## Rather have us handle it? Call the desk. [Book Now](/notary/#order)[Call (908) 444-6373](tel:+19084446373)