Frequently Asked Questions

The Apostille process involves several steps, including authenticating the document, submitting it to the appropriate state authority, and receiving the Apostille certificate. The specific requirements and procedures vary depending on the country of destination, document type, and other factors. 

The Apostille & Notary Experts have a thorough understanding of the process and requirements and will work to ensure a smooth process.

The cost of obtaining an Apostille varies depending on factors such as the type of document, the issuing authority, and any additional requirements commanded by the country of destination. While some states offer Apostille services at a nominal fee, others may charge higher rates. 

The Apostille & Notary Experts provide clear and competitive pricing with high-quality service.

The processing time for obtaining an Apostille can vary from same-day to several weeks depending on several factors, such as the country of destination, the type of document, the Authority issuing the Apostille, the current workload of the authorities, etc. 

For expedited Apostille services and guidance, contact The Apostille & Notary Experts. 

Yes, The Apostille & Notary Experts will obtain an Apostille for a document issued in another state, as long as it is an original version of a public document (i.e., birth certificate, death certificate, etc.). However, the process may involve additional steps, such as obtaining a certified copy of a document from the issuing state. 

For assistance in obtaining Apostilles for out-of-state documents, give us a call. 

In many cases, documents that are not in the official language of the destination country may require a translation before obtaining an Apostille. It's essential to check the specific requirements of the target country. Consult with an attorney or your contact regarding translated documents. 

We work with professional translation services for your document translation needs.

An Apostilled document issued for a country that is part of the Hague Convention of 1961 can be used in any of the Hague Member countries. A document issued an Authentication is for a non-Hague country and can only be used in the country that it was issued for. 

Our team will assist you with the correct path for your documents.

While it's possible to get an apostille for your document yourself, the process can be complex, time-consuming, and expensive if you're unfamiliar with the requirements and procedures involved. 

Working with The Apostille & Notary Experts will save you time and expensive mistakes, and ensure that your documents are properly authenticated and accepted for international use. 

If your Apostille is rejected, it's essential to understand the reason for the rejection and address any issues accordingly. Common reasons for rejection include incomplete documentation, discrepancies in information, or improper notarization. 

For assistance contact The Apostille & Notary Experts.

Whether a document with electronic signatures can receive an Apostille depends on the regulations of the issuing authority and the requirements of the destination country. There are several countries that will not accept an electronic signature, and you may not find out until your document is rejected, which can take weeks for you to receive a notification. 

Our team provides guidance on electronically signed documents.

An Apostille is typically considered valid as long as the underlying document remains valid. However, it's essential to note that Apostilles are not perpetual, and they may expire or become invalid if the document itself expires or undergoes changes. 

The Apostille & Notary Experts will assist you with understanding an Apostilles validity and renewal.

While most countries recognize Apostilles for the legalization of documents, many countries are not parties to the Hague Convention and have specific requirements. It's essential to verify the requirements of the country where you intend to use the document. 

Our team will assist you with your document's legalization process.

While both Apostilles and Authentications serve to validate documents for international use, they differ in their procedures and processes. Apostilles are specific certificates issued under the Hague Convention, while Authentications may involve various steps depending on other destination country's requirements.  

Contact our office for assistance. 

Apostilles are typically reserved for public documents issued by government authorities, such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, and educational diplomas. Personal documents like a copy of your driver's license, school transcripts, or a Power of Attorney can also get an Apostille for international use. However, specific requirements may vary by country. 

Contact The Apostille & Notary Experts for guidance on these types of documents.

Yes, documents notarized by a commissioned notary public can typically receive an Apostille for international use. However, it's essential to ensure that the correct notarial certificate is completed appropriately and that the notary's signature and seal are valid and meet the requirements of the issuing authority. Our team will notarize California documents for local clients for Apostille acceptance. 

For assistance contact The Apostille & Notary Experts.

You can verify the authenticity of an Apostille by checking the issuing authority's database or contacting them directly. Each authority maintains records of the Apostilles they issue, allowing you to confirm the validity of the certificate. 

Our team can assist you in verifying authentic Apostilles.

Apostilles are typically issued for valid documents, so expired documents or documents issued more than five (5) years ago may not be eligible for Apostille certification. However, certain exceptions or renewal processes may apply depending on the issuing authority and the document type. 

Call The Apostille & Notary Experts to schedule a complimentary document review of your documents.