Apostille vs notary: the difference and Thailand's position in 2026
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not alternatives to each other. A notary acts as an independent witness to signing; an Apostille is an official certificate authenticating the origin of a public document.
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For: People asked to obtain a Thai Apostille · Anyone unsure whether Thailand's accession means Apostille is already available
Service information from · บริษัท เอ็นวายซี วีซ่า แอนด์ ทรานสเลชั่น จำกัด
Thailand's current position
What may change after entry into force?
Check the required certification for privately signed documents
Countries outside the Convention
Indicative fees
Ask our team for a quotation. Service charges are confirmed in writing after document review. Government and embassy fees are payable at the relevant authority's current rates.
Requirements set by receiving authorities, embassies and the Department of Consular Affairs may change. Check with the relevant official authority or document recipient before every submission. We do not guarantee any authority's decision.
Frequently asked questions
Can I obtain an Apostille in Thailand yet?+
Not yet. The Convention is scheduled to enter into force for Thailand on 28 February 2027. Verify the position with the relevant authority before proceeding.
Will documents legalised under the existing system become invalid?+
The change does not automatically invalidate documents already legalised. However, recipients may set their own conditions, so check with yours.
Is notarial certification needed before an Apostille?+
Not for every document. Public documents and signature authentications follow different routes. Check the recipient's requirements, Article 1 and the competent authority's procedures. Signing a document privately does not automatically require an attorney or make it eligible for an Apostille.
How can I check whether the destination is a Convention party?+
Use the HCCH status table and check effective dates and objections under Article 12. Confirm that the Convention is in force between Thailand and the destination; membership alone is not enough.
Step-by-step preparation guide
เอกสารและการแสดงตนที่ต้องเตรียม ขั้นตอนรับรองโดยทนายผู้ขึ้นทะเบียน และขั้นตอนต่อเนื่องเพื่อใช้ต่างประเทศ
- Required vs optional document list
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Official sources — legalization, apostille, notary
The information on this page follows the official sources below. Always check the latest version before you file.
- Department of Consular Affairs — document legalisation— Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Legalization e-Service appointment system— Department of Consular Affairs
- HCCH — Apostille Convention (5 October 1961) full text & status table— Hague Conference on Private International Law
- Lawyers Council of Thailand — Notarial Services Attorneys— Lawyers Council of Thailand
- Department of Provincial Administration — civil & family registration— Department of Provincial Administration
- Royal Thai Government Gazette— Royal Thai Government Gazette
Related services
Most document work runs across several steps — jump straight to the next one you need.
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Contact us by phone, LINE or email for a free initial enquiry and a quote after document review. Timing depends on the work and relevant authorities.
General information before proceeding: Confirm current requirements with the receiving authority before using your documents. This page is not a legal opinion for your individual case — meet the team · editorial policy
Frequently asked questions
- Does Thailand have notaries public?
- Thailand uses Notarial Services Attorneys registered with the Lawyers Council of Thailand for notarial acts within their permitted scope. Acceptance abroad depends on the recipient. Ask which certifier, wording and any additional authentication it requires; notarial certification is not the same as an Apostille.
- What documents can a Notarial Services Attorney certify?
- Commonly certified items include signatures on powers of attorney, affidavits and statutory declarations, certified true copies of passports and corporate documents, company resolutions and share transfer forms, sponsorship and consent letters, and the identity of a signatory for foreign banks, universities and courts. The attorney certifies the signing act or copy fidelity — not the truth of the content.
- Do I have to sign in person?
- Yes. The attorney must see the signatory in person together with the original passport or Thai ID before certifying a signature, which is the core safeguard of the service. Remote or scanned signatures cannot be certified. Mobile appointments at your office, condominium lobby or a nearby café are available if you cannot come to ours.
- How much does notarial certification cost and how fast is it?
- Attorney notarial certification is quoted after document review, with the final price depending on the number of documents, signatories and whether the appointment is mobile or out of hours. The certification itself is completed during the appointment; only the subsequent MFA and embassy steps add working days.
More on Notary Public / Notarial Services Attorney →All FAQs
We advise first, then do the work
We review the draft before the appointment so the signature block, capacity and certificate wording match what the receiving party requires.
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- We stay with the case after delivery: if the receiving authority asks for more, we advise at no extra consulting fee.
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