Apostille or legalization: authenticating your documents for use abroad

Before sending a document abroad (a diploma, birth certificate, contract, or court order), it is often necessary to certify its authenticity. This certification takes the form of an apostille or legalization, depending on the destination country. These procedures guarantee the legal validity of your documents outside of France, provided they are accompanied by a certified translation.

What is the difference between an apostille and legalization?

The apostille: a simplified certification

An apostille is a formality provided for by the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961. It attests to the veracity of the signature and the stamp on a French public document intended for another country signatory to the convention.
It applies in particular to:

• birth, marriage or death certificates
• court judgments or decisions
  
• university degrees
  
• Notarial deeds and powers of attorney.
  

Since 1 May 2025, the apostille has been issued by notaries, no longer by the courts of appeal. Applications are filed with one of the apostille and legalisation centres set up by the regional councils of notaries. It is no longer free: €10 per document under the standard timeframe, €20 per document under the fast-track option.

Legalization: for non-signatory countries

Legalisation is a longer procedure, used for countries that do not recognize the Hague Convention.
Since 1 September 2025, it has consisted of two successive steps:

1. first the notaries, at one of the apostille and legalisation centres
2. then the diplomatic or consular representation in France of the country where the document is to be presented.

This step is mandatory for the document to be recognized in certain states. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs now handles only documents issued in New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Wallis and Futuna and the French Southern and Antarctic Lands.

When is a certified translation necessary?

Any foreign authority requires that official documents be written in its language or accompanied by a certified translation.
This translation, carried out by a translator accredited to a Court of Appeal, certifies that the translated content conforms to the original.

A certified translation is essential for:

• civil status documents ( birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate)
  
• court judgments and decisions
  
• diplomas and transcripts
  
• powers of attorney and notarized contracts
  

An apostille or legalization without an official translation has no value in the destination country.

How to obtain an apostille or legalization

1. Identify the appropriate procedure

• If the country is a signatory to the Hague Convention, request an apostille.
  
• If the country is not, consular legalization must be carried out.

2. Gather your documents

Make sure you have:

• the original document
  
• the certified translation if the text is in a foreign language
  
• a valid form of identification.

3. Submit the application

• Apostille: with an apostille and legalisation centre of the notaries, online for a digital document, at the counter or by post for a paper document.
• Legalisation: with the same centre, then with the consular representation of the destination country in France.

4. Average delay

• Apostille: 3 working days under the standard timeframe, 24 hours under the fast-track option (€20 per document).
• Legalisation: add the time taken by the consular representation concerned.

Why entrust your translations to DocuTrad

DocuTrad assists individuals, lawyers, notaries and companies in all their official certification and translation procedures.

Our commitments:

• Sworn translations legally recognized by French and foreign administrations.
  
• Network of sworn translators accredited to the competent Courts of Appeal.
  
• Fast delivery within 24 to 48 hours in signed and sealed PDF format.
  
• DHL paper option with original stamp and certified signature.
  
• Secure online payment via credit card or PayPal.
  

Thanks to DocuTrad, your translated and authenticated documents are ready to be used in any country.

FAQ

1. What is the difference between an apostille and legalization?
An apostille is a simplified procedure between countries that are signatories to the Hague Convention. Legalization applies to non-signatory countries and requires several validations.

2. Where can I obtain an apostille in France?
From notaries, at one of the apostille and legalisation centres of the regional councils of notaries. The courts of appeal have no longer issued apostilles since 1 May 2025.

3. Should the document be translated before or after the apostille?
The translation must be done after obtaining the apostille in order to include the official mention in the translation.

4. Is a certified translation sufficient for foreign countries?
No, it must be accompanied by an apostille or legalization depending on the country concerned.

5. Are DocuTrad translations accepted internationally?
Yes, they are recognized by foreign administrations and jurisdictions thanks to the official certification of accredited translators.

Procedure and fees checked on 20 August 2026 against service-public.gouv.fr (form F1400).