Frequently Asked Questions2021-05-06T10:10:49-07:00

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Apostille and when do I need one?2021-05-03T21:10:24-07:00

An Apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document.

In which countries does the Apostille Convention apply?2021-05-03T21:09:23-07:00

The Apostille Convention only applies if both the country where the public document was issued and the country where the public document is to be used are parties to the Hague Convention.

What if my document’s issuing country or destination country is not a party to the Apostille Convention?2021-05-03T21:24:27-07:00

If your public document was issued or is to be used in a country where the Apostille Convention does not apply, you should contact the Embassy or a Consulate of the country where you intend to use the document in order to find out what your options are. The Permanent Bureau (Secretariat) of the Hague Conference does not provide assistance in such cases.

To which documents does the Apostille Convention apply?2021-05-03T21:06:40-07:00

The Convention only applies to public documents.

Where do I get an Apostille?2021-05-03T21:06:10-07:00

Each country that is party to the Convention must designate one or several authorities that are entitled to issue Apostilles such as the Secretary of State. These authorities are called Competent Authorities – only they are permitted to issue Apostilles.

What do I need to know before requesting an Apostille?2021-05-03T21:05:37-07:00

Does the Apostille Convention apply in both the country that issued the public document and the country where I intend to use it?

How much does an Apostille cost?2021-05-03T21:05:12-07:00

The Apostille Convention is silent on the cost of Apostilles. As a result, the practice among Competent Authorities varies greatly.

How are Apostilles affixed to public documents?2021-05-03T21:04:45-07:00

An Apostille must be placed directly on the public document itself or on a separate attached page (called an allonge). Apostilles may be affixed by various means, including rubber stamps, self-adhesive stickers, impressed seals, etc.

What are the effects of an Apostille?2021-05-03T21:04:17-07:00

An Apostille only certifies the origin of the public document to which it relates: it certifies the authenticity of the signature or seal of the person or authority that signed or sealed the public document and the capacity in which this was done.

Once I have an Apostille, do I need anything else to prove the signature or seal on my document is genuine?2021-05-03T21:25:40-07:00

No. An Apostille issued by the relevant Competent Authority is all that is required to establish that a signature or seal on a public document is genuine and to establish the capacity of the person or authority that signed or sealed the public document.

If the recipient of my Apostille wants to verify my Apostille, what should I suggest?2021-05-03T21:03:24-07:00

Each Competent Authority is required to keep a register in which it records the date and number of every Apostille it issues, as well as information relating to the person or authority that signed or sealed the underlying public document.

Can Apostilles be rejected in the country where they are to be used?2021-05-03T21:02:50-07:00

Apostilles issued in accordance with the requirements of the Convention must be recognized in the country where they are to be used. Apostilles may only be rejected if and when their origin cannot be verified.

What about electronic Apostilles and electronic Registers of Apostilles?2021-05-03T21:02:15-07:00

The Convention does allow Competent Authorities to issue Apostilles in electronic form (e-Apostilles) and to maintain electronic registers of Apostilles (e-Registers).

What documents cannot be Apostilled or Certified?2021-05-03T21:01:45-07:00

Documents in a foreign language that have not been translated into English

May I submit a notarized photocopy of my birth certificate for authentication?2021-05-03T21:01:04-07:00

No. You will need to provide the original certificate or a certified copy from your issuing states Department of Health’s Vital Records office. A notary public may not certify a photocopy of a document that is a vital record or a public record.

If my document is in a foreign language, but the notarization is in English, am I still required to have it translated?2021-05-03T21:00:27-07:00

Yes. An English translation of the entire document must accompany the document submitted in the foreign language.

Is there a fee if I need to expedite the authentication process?2021-05-03T20:59:37-07:00

Yes, typically your Apostille or Certification will have an additional fee to expedite.

How can I verify that a notary public is registered with the Secretary of State?2021-05-03T20:58:21-07:00

You may perform a preliminary notary public search on each Secretary of State website.

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