Apostille or legalisation — how the two routes differ
In short
An apostille is a single-step certification recognised between contracting states. Legalisation is a layered process: the Department of Consular Affairs certifies first, then the destination country's embassy certifies on top. Both only certify signatures and seals — neither certifies that the content of the document is true.
When legalisation is still required
When the destination country is not a contracting state, when the Convention is not yet in force for the origin state, or when a contracting party has objected to another state's accession so the Convention does not operate between them. In those cases the traditional legalisation route applies.
Number of steps and planning time
The traditional route has at least two stages, so allow for the processing times of both the Department of Consular Affairs and the embassy. An apostille reduces this to one stage, but real turnaround still varies with the authority's published schedule — check before you commit to a lodgement date.
What neither route does for you
Neither translates the document, verifies that its content is correct, nor guarantees that the receiving body will accept it. Acceptance always remains at the discretion of the authority processing your case.
Content reviewed August 2026. Sources: Department of Consular Affairs — deposit of the instrument of accession (1 July 2026) and HCCH — Apostille Section. General information only, not legal advice for a specific case. For service details, contact us by phone, LINE, or email.