Signature legalisation certifies that the signature on a document is indeed yours. A certified true copy certifies that a photocopy matches the original. Both are done at the district office or at the commune, on production of the original and of your identity document.
It is an immediate procedure in Morocco. It becomes complicated as soon as the document is intended for a foreign authority: local legalisation is no longer enough, and you have to go through the diplomatic chain or through the apostille.
Documents required
- The original documentSigned in front of the officer, or with a signature to be acknowledged
- Your CNIEValid, and the original is compulsory
- The photocopies to be certifiedTogether with the original of each document
- StampAbout MAD 5 per legalised document
The procedure, step by step
- Do not sign in advance
For a signature legalisation, the officer must see you sign or acknowledge your signature.
- Go to the counter
District office, commune or consulate, with the originals and the copies.
- Have the stamp affixed
Legalisation is immediate; check that the stamp and the date are legible before you leave.
- Continue the chain if the document is going abroad
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then the mission of the receiving country, or an apostille depending on the case.
Pitfalls to avoid
- Signing the document at home before going to the counter: the signature legalisation is then refused.
- Believing that legalisation by the commune is enough for use abroad - the diplomatic chain or the apostille is missing.
- Having a copy legalised without bringing the original: the officer can certify nothing.
- Having the document translated before legalising it. The order is almost always the other way round: legalise first, then have it translated by a sworn translator.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between legalisation and an apostille?
Legalisation is a chain of successive certifications between authorities. The apostille is a single certificate recognised between the States party to the Hague Convention, and it replaces that chain. Which one applies depends on the country the document is intended for.
Can it be done at the consulate?
Yes, Moroccan consulates legalise signatures and copies, at the local consular fee. It is the normal route for a Moroccan living abroad who is preparing a file intended for Morocco.
How many copies should I have legalised?
Allow plenty. At a few dirhams each, having two or three extra copies legalised costs less than a second trip.
Last updated: January 2026 · Indicative estimate - check with the relevant administration.