When it comes to international newborn documentation, especially for families involved in surrogacy or those planning to travel overseas, two terms often come up: apostille and notarization. While both are important steps in preparing legal documents, they serve very different purposes. In this post, we’ll help you understand the difference between a Hague Apostille and a notarized document, and when each is needed for your baby’s paperwork.
✅ What is Notarization?
Notarization is a process where a certified notary public verifies the authenticity of a signature, the identity of the person signing, and the willingness of the person to sign the document. It’s commonly used for:
Birth certificate requests
- Power of Attorney (POA) documents
- Parental consent forms
- Affidavits or statements of consent
- For newborn documentation, a notarized birth certificate request or a statement of consent for a passport may be required — especially when parents cannot appear in person.
✅ What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a form of international certification issued by countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. It verifies the authenticity of the public official’s signature on a document, such as a birth certificate, and is accepted by other member countries without further legalization.
Apostille is usually needed when:
Your baby is traveling to another country (e.g., China, France, Italy)
- You are applying for a foreign passport or travel document
The document (e.g., birth certificate, DNA report, court order) needs to be used in your home country
📞 Need Help With Apostille or Notarization?
Reach out to us today to learn more about our Newborn Legal Documentation Services — from notarized consent letters to apostille-certified birth certificates, we simplify the process so you can focus on welcoming your baby.