What is the difference between a Solicitor and Notary Public for Apostille or Legalisation?
When preparing UK documents for use overseas, one of the most common questions is whether you need a Solicitor or a Notary Public for apostille or legalisation. In the UK, apostille and legalisation refer to the same process - obtaining an Apostille certificate from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to confirm a document is officially authenticated for international use.
While both a Solicitor and a Notary Public can prepare documents for apostille or legalisation, there are important differences between the two. Most importantly, the correct choice depends on the requirements of the receiving authority.
What is Apostille or Legalisation?
Apostille or legalisation is the process of certifying a UK document so it can be recognised abroad. The Apostille confirms that the signature, stamp, or seal on the document is genuine.
Before a document can receive an Apostille, it must usually be certified by a UK legal professional - either a Solicitor or a Notary Public.
Solicitor certification for Apostille or Legalisation
A Solicitor is a qualified legal professional authorised to practise in England and Wales. A Solicitor can:
- Certify copies /original documents
- Witness signatures
- Prepare documents for apostille or legalisation
Once certified by a Solicitor, the document can be submitted for an Apostille.
Although a Solicitor’s authority is technically limited to England and Wales, in the vast majority of cases documents are accepted overseas once apostille or legalisation has been completed. The Apostille verifies the Solicitor’s signature, which is why this route works in most situations.
However, some international authorities specifically request notarised documents rather than Solicitor certification.
Notary Public certification for Apostille or Legalisation
A Notary Public is a specialist legal professional who undertakes additional qualifications focused on documents for international use.
Notarisation is considered the highest level of certification in the UK for documents requiring apostille or legalisation. A Notary Public can:
- Notarise documents for overseas use
- Verify identity and signatures
- Prepare documents for apostille or legalisation
Because Notaries are specifically trained for international documentation, overseas authorities sometimes prefer notarised documents before apostille is issued. In some cases, notarisation is mandatory.
When a document is notarised and then receives an Apostille, it carries maximum international credibility.
The key difference between a Solicitor and a Notary Public
The main differences are:
- Authority and recognition – A Solicitor’s authority is domestic, while a Notary Public is internationally recognised.
- Level of certification – Notarisation is generally regarded as the higher form of certification for international documents.
- Overseas perception – Some foreign authorities specifically request notarised documents before legalisation.
Despite these differences, both Solicitor-certified and notarised documents can obtain an Apostille in the UK.
Which is better for Apostille or Legalisation?
There is no universal answer. The correct option depends entirely on the instructing party - the authority requesting the document.
- If they state “Solicitor certified copy required,” then a Solicitor certification is sufficient before apostille.
- If they state “Notarised document required” or “Notary Public required,” then notarisation must be completed before legalisation.
- If the requirement is unclear, you should always confirm before starting the apostille process.
Choosing the wrong type of certification can result in rejection, delays, and additional costs - even if apostille or legalisation has already been completed.
Final thoughts
Both a Solicitor and a Notary Public can prepare documents for apostille or legalisation in the UK. In many cases, a Solicitor certification followed by an Apostille is sufficient. However, where overseas authorities demand notarisation, a Notary Public is required before legalisation can proceed.
The most important step in the apostille process is confirming the exact requirement with the receiving authority. Doing so ensures your documents are accepted internationally without delay.