In order for a public document to be recognised abroad, it is often necessary to have it apostilled or legalised.
Until now, this was done by the courts. Since May 1st 2025, notaries are responsible for affixing the apostille. From September 1st, notaries will also be responsible for legalising documents.
To accompany this reform, new resources and procedures are being put in place, starting with the creation of centres responsible for centralising and processing all these requests. In Paris, the CLAP (Centre de la Légalisation et de l’Apostille de Paris) has opened its doors at 50 avenue Daumesnil 75012 PARIS.
But reform means new rules and new ways of doing things. Under decree no. 2021-1205 of 17 September 2021, France now provides e-apostilles and e-legalisations (as of 1st September).
To obtain them, simply go to the following website and follow the procedure : https://apostille.notaires.fr/.
If you also need your signature certified, you can ask your notary to carry out the certification and handle the apostille or legalisation request, to make the process easier and reduce delays.
