If you’ve been told you need to get a document authenticated, it might mean you need an apostille, depending on the type of document and where you intend to travel. Generally, authentication refers to apostilles or notarial certifications. Hague Convention member countries require you to apostille public or government documents for validation within their borders. However, countries that are not members of the Convention usually require notarial certifications. The concept is the same, but the process is different. If you’ve been advised to have your transcripts, birth certificate, or other important document authenticated, this is likely what was meant.