What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is a special certification that makes documents issued in one country legally valid in another country. It’s a simplified form of authentication used between countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Think of it as an international seal of approval. Without an apostille, most foreign governments won’t accept your U.S. documents as legitimate.

When Do You Need an Apostille?

You need an apostille when you’re using U.S. documents in another country for official purposes. Common situations include:

• Working abroad and need employment documents verified

• Getting married in another country

• Adopting a child internationally

• Applying for foreign citizenship or residency

• Conducting business internationally

• Enrolling in foreign schools or universities

• Claiming inheritance or property abroad

What Documents Can Be Apostilled?

Common documents that need apostilles:

Personal Documents: Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, death certificates, adoption papers

Educational Documents: Diplomas, transcripts, degrees

Legal Documents: Powers of attorney, affidavits, court documents

Business Documents: Articles of incorporation, contracts, certificates of good standing

Notarized Documents: Any notarized document that needs to be used abroad

The Apostille Process

Step 1: Document Preparation

The document must first be notarized by a commissioned notary. This is where I come in. I notarize your document properly so it’s ready for the apostille.

Step 2: Submit to Secretary of State

For Texas documents, the apostille must be issued by the Texas Secretary of State. The Secretary of State verifies my notary commission and attaches the apostille certificate to your document.

Step 3: Receive Your Apostilled Document

Once the Secretary of State processes the request, you receive your document with the apostille certificate attached. This document is now valid for use in any country that’s part of the Hague Convention.

How I Help With Apostilles

As an apostille facilitation service, I handle the entire process for you:

• Notarize your documents properly for apostille requirements

• Prepare and submit your documents to the Texas Secretary of State

• Track the status of your apostille request

• Return your apostilled documents to you

• Provide guidance on any additional requirements for your specific situation

Processing Time and Fees

The Texas Secretary of State typically processes apostille requests within 30 days for standard processing. Rush services are available with my assistnce for an additional fee.

My apostille facilitation service includes notarization, submission, and return of your documents. Contact me for current pricing and turnaround times.

Countries That Accept Apostilles

The Hague Apostille Convention includes over 120 countries. Most common destinations include Mexico, Canada, countries in the European Union, Australia, Japan, and many others.

If the country you need documents for is not part of the Hague Convention, a different authentication process called legalization is required. I can guide you through that process as well.

Special Considerations

Federal Documents: Documents issued by federal agencies require apostilles from the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., not the state Secretary of State.

Multiple Copies: If you need multiple apostilled copies of the same document, each copy must go through the apostille process separately.

Translation Requirements: Some countries require documents to be translated into their official language. The translation must be done by a certified translator and may also need to be notarized and apostilled. I can assist with that process.

Timing: Start the apostille process well in advance of when you need the documents. International timelines can be unpredictable.