What is Document Legalization? (France)
Legalization is the procedure through which a state authority certifies the identity of a public official (such as a public notary acting as a public officer) and thereby their competence. It is important not to confuse legalization with certification (such as signature certification, true copy certification, or capacity certification), as their purposes differ.
Therefore, the signature of an individual or the copy of an original document cannot be legalized. Only the signature accompanied by the stamp or seal of a competent public authority can be legalized. In this regard, certifications performed by a public notary can be subject to legalization.
In France, the legalization process is carried out by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the consulate or embassy of the destination country where the legalized document is to be used. As such, legalization is generally not required for documents issued in a country and intended to be used within the same country (e.g., a notarized power of attorney in France that is to be used in France).
Legalization is usually required for any document signed by a public official that is to be produced abroad. However, many countries have entered into international agreements that either eliminate this requirement or replace it with the simplified apostille process. The list of countries that have concluded such an international agreement with France can be found here.
The notarial office Chassaint & Cerclé Notaires in Paris (France) assists individuals and professionals in completing the necessary steps for the legalization of their documents. For more information, click here.
