Notary vs Apostille Explained in Simple Terms

Notary or apostille — which one do you actually need?

If you’ve ever been stuck staring at official paperwork for a visa, OCI, international business, or overseas application and didn’t know which stamp was required, this video is for you.

In this explainer, I break down the real difference between a notary and an apostille, when each one is required, and how choosing the wrong one can completely delay or reject your application.

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Video

✔ What a notary public actually does

✔ What an apostille is (and what it’s NOT)

✔ Domestic vs international document use

✔ Who issues an apostille (and who doesn’t)

✔ Why apostilles are required for visas, OCI, and foreign use

✔ A simple checklist to know which one you need

📌 Quick Rule of Thumb

• Domestic use → Notary

• International use → Apostille But always confirm with the requesting country or agency.

🌍 Common Documents That Need Apostilles

• Birth certificates

• Marriage certificates

• Diplomas & transcripts

• Powers of attorney

• Business & immigration documents

💬 Final Tip Never guess. Always verify the requirements with the destination country or agency. One wrong stamp can mean lost time, money, and opportunity.