The legalisation of notarial documents
If a notarial document drawn up in Romania is to be used in a State that is not a party to the Hague Convention of 5 October 1961, and with which Romania has no treaty removing the requirement of legalisation, the document may need to be legalised.
Legalisation attests to the official character of the document, the genuineness of the public notary's signature, the capacity in which they acted and the identity of the seal or stamp affixed to it. The procedure does not, however, certify the content of the notarial document.
The first stage of the procedure is carried out by the Chamber of Public Notaries in whose district the public notary who drew up the document practises. The application may be made by the holder of the document or by any other person who has it in their keeping. After legalisation by the Chamber, further formalities may be required at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and at the diplomatic mission or consular office of the State where the document is to be used.
Before starting the procedure we recommend that you ask the receiving authority, or the diplomatic representation of that State, for information on the actual stages and conditions. Legalisation is not required where an applicable international treaty provides for the document to be recognised without this formality.
Where to apply for the first stage: to the Chamber of Public Notaries to which the public notary who drew up the document belongs. The list of the Chambers and their contact details can be consulted here.