Apostille

An Apostille is a form of certification used to authenticate public documents for use in countries that are part of the Hague Convention. It serves as proof that a document, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or diploma, is legitimate and can be legally recognized in other participating countries. The Apostille is a stamp or certificate attached to the original document by a designated authority, ensuring that the document is valid internationally without needing further legalization or embassy authentication.

Getting documents apostilled can seem complicated, especially if you’re new to the document authentication process. Here’s how we can help:

1. Document Review: Our Apostille specialists will review your documents to ensure they meet the necessary criteria.
2. Guidance: We will advise you of any required steps, such as additional notarizations or certifications, and confirm your document’s eligibility for an Apostille.
3. Quick Turnaround: Within one business day—often sooner—we’ll provide confirmation and begin the Apostille process for you.

We proudly serve individuals, corporations, legal firms, and government organizations, offering professional support to make the process easy and efficient. Let us handle the complexity for you!

The requirement for an Apostille depends on the receiving entity, but common examples of documents that often need authentication include:

• Adoption paperwork
• Corporate documents (articles of incorporation, mergers, amendments, by-laws, powers of attorney)
• Powers of Attorney
• School records (diplomas, transcripts, letters regarding degrees)
• Birth Certificates and other vital records
• Marriage licenses
• Deeds of assignment
• Job certifications and references
• Trademarks

If you’re unsure whether your document requires an Apostille, it’s best to consult with the organization or authority requesting the document to confirm. We’re here to assist with the entire process!

The process is simple and stress-free:

1. Meet for Notarization: We’ll start by meeting to complete the notarization of your documents.
2. Authentication Process: Once your documents are notarized and ready, I will handle the authentication process on your behalf.
3. Delivery: Your completed paperwork will be sent directly to you from the Secretary of State.

Let me take care of the details, so you can focus on what’s important!

Apostille is a simplified form of document authentication used by countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. Currently, over 200 countries accept foreign documents certified by an Apostille. However, there are some exceptions. Certain countries may refuse to accept documents apostilled by other member countries despite both being signatories. For example, Germany, Belgium, Greece, and Spain do not recognize documents apostilled in Albania, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Mongolia, and the Dominican Republic, even though all these nations are part of the Hague Convention.

In such cases, or if the documents are intended for use in a country that is not a member of the Apostille Convention, a more complex process known as Legalization is required. This involves multiple steps, including embassy or consular legalization, to authenticate the document for use in non-Apostille countries.

Key Differences:

• Apostille: A one-step certification for use in Hague Convention countries.
• Legalization: A multi-step process required for countries outside the Apostille Convention or in cases where the Apostille is not recognized.

Legalization involves additional steps through foreign authorities, ensuring the document is valid for international use.