You’ve had your document notarised by a Notary Public in Cork. Now you need an apostille to make it valid for use in another country. This guide covers the complete apostille process step by step.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that authenticates the signature and seal on your notarised document. It is recognised by all 120+ member countries of the Hague Apostille Convention.
The apostille does not verify the contents of your document — it confirms that the Notary Public who signed it is a genuine, appointed Irish notary.
The Complete Chain: Notarisation to Apostille
- Step 1 (Complete): Your document has been notarised — the notary’s seal and signature are on the notarial certificate
- Step 2: Submit the notarised document to the DFA
- Step 3: The DFA verifies the notary’s seal against their records
- Step 4: The DFA attaches the apostille certificate to your document
- Step 5: Your document is now ready for the destination country
How to Submit to the DFA
Option 1: Walk-In Service (Dublin)
- Location: DFA Consular Section, Dublin
- Processing: Same day, typically within a few hours
- What to bring: Original notarised document and fee payment
- Best for: Urgent matters or if you’re in Dublin
Option 2: Postal Application
- Send to: Authentication Unit, Department of Foreign Affairs
- Include: Original notarised document, cover letter specifying destination country, fee payment, pre-paid return envelope
- Processing: 5–10 working days (up to 15+ in peak periods)
- Best for: Most Cork-based clients
Costs
- Notarisation: €65–€150 per document (already paid)
- DFA apostille: Approximately €20–€40 per document
- Total: Approximately €85–€190 per document
Processing Times
- Walk-in: Same day
- Postal (standard): 5–10 working days
- Postal (peak, June–Sept): Up to 15+ working days
What the Apostille Looks Like
The apostille is a standardised certificate, typically a full page, containing 10 numbered fields including the country of origin, the signer’s name, their capacity, the seal details, date and place of the apostille, the issuing authority, and a unique certificate number.
After the Apostille
Once your document has an apostille:
- It is ready to submit to the foreign authority in any Hague Convention country
- No further authentication or embassy legalisation is needed
- You may still need a certified translation if the destination country requires one
- Send the document via tracked, insured courier
When You Don’t Need an Apostille
- Documents staying in Ireland: No apostille needed for domestic use
- Certain EU public documents: Under EU Regulation 2016/1191, specific civil status documents don’t need apostille between EU states
- Non-Hague countries: These require DFA authentication + embassy legalisation instead of apostille
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the process after notarisation?
Submit the notarised document to the DFA for an apostille. The DFA verifies the notary’s seal and attaches the apostille certificate.
How much does an apostille cost?
The DFA charges approximately €20–€40 per document, in addition to the notarisation fee.
Can I get a same-day apostille?
Yes, using the DFA walk-in service in Dublin.
Do I need an apostille for EU countries?
For certain public documents, no (under EU Regulation 2016/1191). For private documents, yes.
Start with the Right Notarisation
Hugh Phelan, Solicitor and Notary Public, practises from East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork. He prepares documents correctly for apostille and can advise on the complete process.
Contact: 021-489-7134 or info@phelansolicitors.com.
Looking for a Notary Public in Cork?
Hugh Phelan is a Solicitor & Notary Public appointed by the Chief Justice of Ireland.
Notary Public Cork — Book Now📞 +353-21-489-7134 · East Douglas Street, Douglas, Cork