Authentication is a process of authenticating or certifying a legal document by the diplomatic or consular representation of the foreign country where the document is to be used.
This process may also be referred to as superlegalisation. It confirms that the signature on the document is genuine, states in what capacity the person was acting, as well as confirming that the stamps and seals used on the document are genuine.
Prior to authentication, the facts that are stated to be genuine must be confirmed by an authority of the country that issued the document.
Authentication of a document gives the document the same authenticity in the receiving country as it has in the country where it was issued. The process is simplified in countries which are parties to the Apostille Convention. For further details, please see apostille.