Apostille & document legalization for France

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is an official certificate that proves a document is genuine. It confirms that the signature, seal, or stamp on a document is real. The apostille itself becomes part of the document—it's usually attached as a separate page or stamp.

If you're moving to France, getting married there, working, or studying, French authorities often ask for documents from your home country. These documents need an apostille to show they're authentic and come from a real government office.

Which Documents Need an Apostille?

Common documents that need an apostille for France include:

• Birth certificates
• Marriage certificates
• Divorce decrees
• Educational diplomas and transcripts
• Police clearance certificates
• Medical licenses or professional qualifications
• Power of attorney documents
• Adoption papers

If your document comes from a government office in your home country, it likely needs an apostille. Personal documents (like your own letters) do not.

How Apostille Works Between Countries

France is part of the Hague Apostille Convention, a global agreement about document verification. This means France accepts apostilles from other countries that are also part of the convention. You cannot get an apostille from France—you get it from the authority in your home country that issued the original document.

For example, if you were born in the United States, you request the apostille from the vital records office in your birth state. If you studied in Canada, you ask your university for an apostille on your diploma.

Steps to Get an Apostille

Step 1: Find the right issuing authority

Contact the government office that originally issued your document. This might be a vital records office, court, university, or ministry.

Step 2: Request the apostille

Tell them you need an apostille for use in France. Some offices handle this by mail, email, or in person. Many now offer online requests.

Step 3: Pay the fee

Apostille fees vary by country and office. Check the official website for costs.

Step 4: Wait for processing

Processing times differ. Some offices finish in days; others take weeks.

Step 5: Receive your document

The apostille will be attached to your original document or issued as a separate certificate.

Tips for Success

• Order apostilles early—don't wait until you need them urgently
• Request certified copies if you need multiple authenticated versions
• Keep the apostille attached to the original document
• Take photos of your completed apostille documents as backup
• Verify which documents France actually requires before ordering apostilles

This is general self-help information, not legal advice. Always verify current rules on the official government website.