In his paper the author analyzes development of the notion of international legal personality, particularly international legal personality of states. The author highlights general doctrinal approaches of different historical periods to the concept of legal personality of states in the light of theory and practice of international law. The paper specifies features of the notion, its main characteristics and parts. The work points out some perspectives of development in the sphere, highlighting, that the institute is crucial for whole development of International law and its different branches and institutes.