Apostilles

Our apostille services simplify the process of preparing your documents for international use. Whether you need documents authenticated for business, legal matters, or personal affairs, I will ensure they meet all state and federal requirements for acceptance in foreign countries. I handle a wide range of documents, including birth and marriage certificates, powers of attorney, diplomas, transcripts, and corporate records. My process includes verifying notarizations, coordinating with the appropriate government agencies, and ensuring your documents are properly certified under the Hague Apostille Convention.

Certificate of apostille with a gold seal on bottom right, signed by Deputy Secretary of State, on a blue background.

What is an apostille?

An Apostille or authentication certificate is a certificate often attached to the supporting document by an appropriate government official after it is notarized, to use the document in a foreign country. Apostilles are used when public documents are being transferred between countries that are a party to the Hauge Apostille Convention of 1961.

Close-up of a gold embossed seal of the U.S. Department of State with an eagle holding an olive branch and a bundle of arrows, and a shield on its chest, surrounded by stars.

How to be prepared

In order to offer the best service, please follow these guidelines to always be prepared for your appointment.

  • Gather all required documents

    • Document to be used in foreign country

      • Ensure the document is the original or a certified copy.

      • Ensure document is complete and free of any errors

      • Properly notarized

        -Note: if it is a federal document. It should not be notarized before submitting for authentication.

        -If not notarized, DO NOT SIGN BEFORE APPOINTMENT

    • Bring a valid government issued photo ID

      • Driver’s License

      • State ID

      • Passport

  • Ensure that I have all important information before the appointment to save your time and receive the best service possible.

  • Be prepared to complete payment at the end of the appointment. I accept many forms of payment:

    • Cash

    • Check

    • Zelle

    • Venmo

    • PayPal

    • Stripe

    • Credit/Debit Card

  • I will review the documents within 24 hours after the appointment time.

  • The documents will be either mailed or delivered by a courier to the Secretary of State Office, depending on the Apostille package chosen.

  • Mail in times vary from 1-6 weeks standard processing. There are expediting options available with additional fees.

A U.S. passport, a blank apostille document with a pen, and a partial international map on a wooden surface. The apostille document references the Convention of La Haye of October 1961.

Why do I need someone to do an apostille for me?

Anyone is able to submit apostille documents to the secretary of state, however, it is usually a complex, multi-step process of international document authentication. Apostille agents like myself provide expertise, speed and accuracy, helping to prevent costly rejections that can delay international business deals, adoptions, relocation, or study abroad students.

The perks of having an expert complete an apostille are,

  • Expert knowledge of complex requirements

  • Correct notarizations the first time

  • Handling the extra complex process of Non-Hague Countries

  • The option of expedited services

  • Remote Apostilles for when you just don’t have time

A Department of Foreign Affairs authentication certificate from Manila, Philippines, with a red ribbon and a gold seal attached.
Legal Disclaimer: I am not an attorney licensed to practice law, and I may not give legal advice or accept fees for legal advice. My role as a Notary Public is limited to verifying the identity of the signer(s) and witnessing the signing of documents. I do not instruct on how to fill out notarized documents, other than where to place a required signature and/or date.