Legalisation — Thai Notary Law
Confirm the named receiving authority’s checklist before arranging certification. The document type, country of issue and intended use determine which steps are needed.
Which authentication route applies?
Before 28 February 2027, Thai documents use the existing legalisation route: issuing authority or Notarial Services Attorney when needed → Thai MFA → destination embassy only where required. Not every public document needs notarisation.
From 28 February 2027, an Apostille may replace consular legalisation for eligible public documents where the Convention applies between Thailand and the destination. Check objections, exclusions and the recipient’s current rules before filing.
Do not assume Apostille replaces consular steps for this destination. Confirm the current requirements with the receiving authority and relevant embassy or representative office.
Before sending originals
Check passport spelling, all pages and seals, the recipient’s document-age rule and whether the issuer must send the record directly. Keep a copy of the recipient’s instructions. Avoid sending unrelated sensitive records in the first enquiry.
Limits of certification
Acceptance and any exemptions are decided by the receiving authority. Authentication does not guarantee a visa, admission, registration or business approval.
FAQ
- Does certification guarantee acceptance?
- No. Authentication verifies a relevant signature or seal, not document contents or eligibility. The receiving authority decides acceptance and may request further evidence.
- Can I complete everything by courier?
- Not always. Sending scans can help with preliminary review, but signature witnessing requires the signatory’s appearance as required. Original comparison and recipient rules may require original documents. Confirm before posting.
Service-specific checks
Document legalisation for
Official sources
Send the document type and receiving authority for a case quote.
Check passport spelling, all pages and seals, the recipient’s document-age rule and whether the issuer must send the record directly. Keep a copy of the recipient’s instructions. Avoid sending unrelated sensitive records in the first enquiry.