Welcome to our Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining an Apostille or Authentication

An Apostille (Pronounced "Ap-pos-steel" and "Ap-pos-stee") is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document, such as a birth certificate, Power of Attorney, diploma, or business contract.  It ensures the document is recognized in countries that are members or contracting parties of the Hague Convention of 1961. 

For non-Hague/non-contracting countries, a Certificate of Authentication serves a similar purpose, also validating documents for international use. 

Common documents Requiring Apostille Services:

• Apostille for Special Power of Attorney 
• Apostille for FBI Background Check
• Apostille for Academic Certificates and Transcripts
• Apostille for Birth Certificate
• Apostille for Marriage Certificate
• Apostille for Death Certificate
• Apostille for Divorce Decree
• Apostille for Business Contract
• Apostille for Export Certificate
• Apostille for Religious Document
• Apostilles for legal documents, personal records, and more

At The Apostille & Notary Experts, we specialize in navigating the apostille process and ensuring your documents meet the specific requirements of Hague and non-Hague countries. Let us simplify your document legalization needs. 

An apostille is issued by the designated competent authority in the state where the document originated. Each state has its own apostille office to handle the process. 

At The Apostille & Notary Experts, we have extensive experience navigating these requirements to ensure your documents are processed efficiently and correctly. 

The requirements for obtaining an apostille vary depending on the type of document and the issuing state or country. 

Let The Apostille & Notary Experts manage the process for you, ensuring compliance with both your state and the destination country’s specific regulations. 

1. Document Verification for Apostille Services: 

Before obtaining an apostille, it’s essential to ensure your document is properly notarized (if applicable) by a commissioned notary public in your state or signed by another authorized public official. This step is critical, as the apostille certification verifies the authenticity of the public official’s signature and seal. 

At The Apostille & Notary Experts, our team of experienced notaries offers complimentary local notarizations in California as part of the apostille process, ensuring a seamless experience for our clients.

2.  Choose the Right Apostille Service Provider: 

Selecting a reliable apostille service provider is essential for a smooth and stress-free apostille process. 

At The Apostille & Notary Experts, our experienced team has an in-depth understanding of the requirements and regulations for document authentication. We ensure your documents are processed accurately and efficiently, saving you time and hassle. 

3. Submit Your Documents for a Complimentary Apostille Prep Review: 

Email your documents to us for a free document review to ensure they meet all requirements for obtaining an apostille. Our experts will check for completeness and accuracy to help you avoid rejection or delays. Depending on the type of document, you may need to provide additional information. 

The Apostille & Notary Experts are here to guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth and efficient apostille service experience.

4. Schedule Your No-Commitment Apostille Consultation:

Book an appointment with The Apostille & Notary Experts to discuss your documents, arrange document pickup, and have all your questions answered. 

The Apostille & Notary Experts will guide you through the apostille process, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience.

5. Fees for Apostille Services:
There are fees for obtaining an apostille, which may vary depending on the type of document and the destination country. 

The Apostille & Notary Experts will provide a clear and transparent breakdown of all costs involved, so you know exactly what to expect.

6. Apostille Processing Time:
Rest assured, The Apostille & Notary Experts will closely monitor the progress of your documents and keep you updated throughout the process. By using our professional apostille service, you’ll save considerable time compared to handling it on your own.

7. Apostille Delivery:
Once your apostille certificate is issued by the designated competent authority, it will be attached to your document(s) for authentication. The Apostille & Notary Experts will deliver your apostilled documents as per your pre-arranged instructions, ensuring convenience and reliability.

To ensure a smooth and efficient apostille process, it's important to provide the following essential information: 

• Destination country: The country where your apostilled document will be used, as different countries may have specific apostille requirements.
• Originating state: The state where your document was issued. For example, if you need an apostille for a birth certificate, the originating state is the one listed on the birth certificate.
• Document type: Specify the type of document that requires an apostille, such as a vital record, FBI background check, Special Power of Attorney, or other legal documents.
• Document requirements: Let us know if your document needs to be translated into another language, if additional signers or witnesses are needed, or if notarizations or supporting documents are required.
• Number of documents: Provide the total number of documents that require an apostille.
• Turnaround time: Inform us of your required apostille delivery time, whether you need the apostilled documents delivered to you or shipped directly to the destination country.

By providing these details, we can ensure a seamless apostille service tailored to your specific needs.

Please be aware that there may be delays in document processing during peak seasons, such as:

• Summer months (June through September) 
• Major holidays (November through January). 

These busy periods may impact the time it takes to obtain your apostille or document authentication.

To avoid any complications, it is strongly recommended that you do not book travel, secure property, or schedule important events until your documents have been properly apostilled and/or authenticated.