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What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an international certification that authenticates public documents for use in foreign countries. Established by the 1961 Hague Convention, apostilles eliminate the need for dual certification by both the originating and receiving countries. In the United States, apostilles are issued by each state's Secretary of State office.
Common documents requiring an apostille include birth certificates, marriage certificates, court orders, powers of attorney, corporate filings, diplomas, and transcripts. If you need a document recognized in another country that's part of the Hague Convention, you'll need an apostille.
Why Use a Mobile Apostille Agent?
Saves Time
Skip the trip to the Secretary of State. Your agent handles everything.
International Expertise
Agents know exactly which documents need notarization before apostille.
Document Preparation
Get help preparing and organizing your documents correctly.
Error Prevention
Avoid costly rejections from improperly prepared documents.
Mobile Service
The agent comes to you — at home, office, or any convenient location.
Expedited Processing
Many agents offer rush service for urgent international needs.
How to Get an Apostille
- Determine if your document needs notarization first. Some documents (like birth certificates issued by the state) can be apostilled directly. Others (like powers of attorney or affidavits) must be notarized before the apostille can be issued.
- Find a mobile notary with apostille experience. Use MobileNotaryNet to search for notaries who list "Apostille Services" in their profile. These agents understand the requirements and can guide you through the process.
- Have your document notarized (if required). The mobile notary will come to your location, verify your identity, and notarize the document.
- Submit to the Secretary of State. Your apostille agent can hand-deliver or mail the document to the appropriate state office for apostille certification. Processing times vary from same-day (in person) to several weeks (by mail).
- Receive your apostilled document. The agent returns the certified document to you, ready for international use.
Documents That Commonly Need an Apostille
Apostille Services by State
Find apostille agents in your state. Each state has different processing times and fees.
Popular Cities for Apostille Services
High-demand areas with mobile notaries specializing in apostille facilitation.
Apostille vs. Embassy Legalization
Not all countries accept apostilles. Countries that are not part of the Hague Convention require a different process called embassy legalization (also called "authentication"). This process typically involves:
- Having the document notarized by a commissioned notary
- Getting the notary's signature certified by the county clerk
- Having the document authenticated by the Secretary of State
- Getting it authenticated by the U.S. Department of State
- Having it legalized by the foreign country's embassy or consulate
This multi-step process is more complex and time-consuming than an apostille. A mobile notary experienced in international documents can help guide you through either process and ensure your documents are prepared correctly from the start.