For documents being used internationally, obtaining an apostille may be an essential part of the notarization process. But what exactly is an apostille and when is it required? As a full-service notary agency, we want clients to understand this important certification.
An apostille is confirmation issued by the state department that a notarized signature on a public document is authentic. It certifies the origin state and capacity of the notary or official who provided the original signature and seal.
Documents like birth certificates, death certificates, academic records and legal contracts often require an apostille when being sent to a country that has signed the Hague Apostille Convention. This treaty establishes standard certification formats for international use of public documents between member states.
An apostille helps verify the document is genuine in countries outside the United States that could otherwise question the validity of a foreign notarization. It eliminates the need for duplicative authentication steps that slow processing.
Our notaries are qualified to provide apostille services for any documents requiring international authentication under treaty guidelines. We can identify apostille requirements and handle the application and attachment process seamlessly as part of the overall notarization.
For documents being used abroad, confirm whether an apostille is mandated by the recipient country. Rely on our expertise to ensure proper international certification that streamlines acceptance of your verified records wherever they may travel.
That's a brief overview of what an apostille is and the role it plays in cross-border validation of public records. Contact us if you have any other questions about apostille services as part of the notarization process.