Frequently asked questions

What is an apostille?

An apostille is a certificate issued by a designated government authority (like the Secretary of State) that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in another country under the Hague Apostille Convention.

Can you apostille documents that were issued in another state?

We can assist with documents from any U.S. state, but they must be processed through the issuing state's Secretary of State office. Each state has its own procedures and fees.

Which countries accept apostilles?

Only countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention accept apostilles. For non-member countries, document legalization or embassy authentication is typically required.

How long does the apostille process take?

Processing times vary by state. Standard service can take 1–3 weeks, while expedited service typically takes 1–5 business days, depending on the document and location.

What types of documents can be apostilled?

Documents that can be apostilled include birth and death certificates, marriage licenses, school transcripts, diplomas, powers of attorney, notarized affidavits, adoption records, and corporate documents.

Do I need to notarize my document before it can be apostilled?

Some documents, such as personal affidavits or powers of attorney, must be notarized first. Others, like birth or death certificates, do not require notarization if they are official state-issued copies.

Can you apostille a photocopy of a document?

No. Only original documents or certified copies issued by an authorized agency can be apostilled. Photocopies must be notarized and treated as affidavits if apostille is needed.

Can you help with documents for countries not in the Hague Convention?

Yes. For non-member countries, we can assist with the multi-step process of authentication, including U.S. State Department and embassy legalization.