The term "apostille" may sound foreign and intricate, pronounced as "a-pos-TAY" rather than "a-pos-TILL" or "a-pos-TEEL," but its function is straightforward and practical. Originating from a French word that means "to annotate," it plays a crucial role in certifying the authenticity of documents for use across borders.

Imagine an apostille as an international seal of approval for your documents. It provides assurance to overseas authorities that the document was issued by a recognized official, such as a notary, at the time of its signing. This certification process, known as authentication or legalization, enables various documents, including court records, vital statistics, and notarized documents, to be officially accepted in foreign nations.

Prior to 1981, the procedure for authenticating documents was complex and cumbersome. However, the adoption of the Hague Convention simplified this process significantly for its member countries, including the United States. Now, obtaining an apostille involves a straightforward step:

A designated authority in your state, typically the Secretary of State, is responsible for issuing the apostille.

This certification confirms the origin of the document and guarantees its recognition in the countries participating in the Convention.

It's important to note that this streamlined approach is exclusive to the Hague Convention member countries.

If you have documents for non Hague Countries, We may still be able to serve you. Just request a Quote or give us a call So one of our Apostille experts can help you asses the appropriate way to get Apostilles for your documents.