When dealing with official documents, you might come across terms like Apostille for consular use and notary. Both play important roles in the authentication process, but they serve different purposes. While a notary ensures the authenticity of a signature on a document, an apostille is used to verify the document's validity for international use.

A notary is a public official who verifies the identities of individuals signing documents and ensures they are aware of the contents. The notary's seal or stamp on a document confirms that the signature was made in their presence, which is essential for preventing fraud. Notary services are often needed for a wide range of documents, including powers of attorney, affidavits, and contracts.

On the other hand, an apostille is a certificate issued by a designated authority that authenticates the origin of a public document. Apostilles are specifically used for documents that need to be recognized in countries that are parties to the Hague Convention of 1961. The apostille ensures that the document can be legally accepted by foreign governments without further legalization.

If you're planning to use a document internationally, you may need both apostille and notary services. Apostilles and notary services can work hand-in-hand to ensure the legal acceptance of your documents globally.