General International Documents
Legalisation Is Different From Certification
Certification, notarisation, verification, authentication and apostille are related but distinct stages that can apply to different documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is certification the same as apostille?
No. Certification can confirm a copy is a true copy, while an apostille authenticates the origin-related signature or seal for international use.
Is notarisation the same as legalisation?
No. Notarisation is often an earlier step for private documents.
Why are these terms often confused?
Different documents require different authentication chains.
Source: DIRCO – Legalisation Services