Notarization is a formality often required for documents which are to be used overseas, or for certifying document copies. Once a document has been notarized by a Notary Public, and if it is to be used overseas, it may need to be apostilled. This means that the Notary's signature and seal are certified by the Government. The Government will then attach an apostille to the document. Once a document has been notarized and apostilled, it then may need to be authenticated by the Consulate of the country in which it will be used, if the country is not party to the Hague Convention.