Apostille Services
Full-service authentication for documents destined for foreign countries. If you're looking for a 'notary public near me' for international documents, we can help.
Apostille Services: Your Gateway to International Document Use
Navigating the bureaucracy of international document authentication can be confusing and time-consuming. If you need to use a US document in a foreign country, you likely need an Apostille. You might be searching for "notary public near me" to help with this, but you actually need specialized Apostille processing.
We offer a full-service solution, handling the entire process from notarization to authentication by the Secretary of State.
What is an Apostille?
An Apostille is a certificate issued by the Secretary of State that authenticates the signature of a public official (like a Notary Public, County Clerk, or Registrar) on a document. It certifies the document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
The Hague Convention
The Hague Convention of 1961 abolished the requirement of legalization for foreign public documents between member countries. This means a single "Apostille" certificate is accepted as proof of authenticity without further diplomatic validation.
Our All-Inclusive Service
We take the stress out of the process. Our service includes:
- Notarization: We ensure the document is notarized correctly, which is the foundation of a valid Apostille.
- Review: We check your documents to ensure they meet the strict requirements of the Secretary of State.
- Processing: We courier your documents to the appropriate government office.
- Return: We deliver the completed, Apostilled documents back to you, ready for international use.
Common Documents Requiring Apostille
We handle authentication for both personal and corporate documents, including:
- Personal: Birth Certificates, Marriage Licenses, Divorce Decrees, FBI Background Checks, Diplomas, and Transcripts.
- Business: Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Power of Attorney for international business, and Certificates of Good Standing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take?
Processing times vary by the Secretary of State, but our expedited service is typically faster than mailing it in yourself. Contact us for current turnaround times.
Can you apostille a document from another state?
We primarily handle California documents, but we can often assist with documents from other states or federal documents (FBI checks) through our network of partners.
What is the difference between an Apostille and Legalization?
An Apostille is for Hague Convention countries. For non-member countries, a multi-step 'Authentication and Legalization' process involving the US Department of State and the foreign embassy is required. We can assist with both.