Apostille Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common consumer questions about apostilles, notarization, certified copies, translations, federal documents, state documents, and embassy legalization.
Frequently asked questions
An apostille is a certificate used to authenticate the origin of a public document for use in a country that accepts apostilles.
Apostilles are issued by designated government authorities. In the United States, state authorities handle state and notarized documents, while federal documents may require federal handling.
No. A notary can notarize certain documents, but an apostille is issued by a state or federal apostille authority.
No. Vital records usually need certified copies. Private documents such as affidavits and powers of attorney often need notarization first.
An apostille is generally used for Hague Apostille Convention countries. Non-Hague countries may require authentication and embassy or consulate legalization.
Sometimes, but many records require certified copies or properly notarized copy certifications. Requirements depend on the document type and receiving country.
Usually the state connected to the document's issuing authority, certification, or notarization should issue the apostille.
FBI background checks are federal documents and are commonly handled through the federal apostille process.
Sometimes. Some agencies require the original document apostilled, while others require a notarized translator statement that is apostilled.
Common causes include wrong document type, missing certification, improper notarization, photocopies submitted when certified copies are required, and wrong destination country handling.
Usually no. The apostille authority must generally match the state or federal authority connected to the document.
Usually no. Birth certificates typically need to be certified copies from the proper vital records office.
Usually yes. A power of attorney is a private document and often needs proper notarization before apostille.
The destination country matters. Hague countries generally accept apostilles; non-Hague countries may require authentication and legalization.
It depends on the receiving agency. Ask the foreign authority whether they want the original apostilled first, the translation apostilled, or both.
A notarization does not normally expire by itself, but the receiving agency may have document age requirements.
Yes, but schools often need to certify or notarize the record correctly before apostille processing.
Yes. Corporate documents such as certificates of good standing and articles of incorporation are commonly apostilled for international use.
You should know the document type, issuing state or agency, destination country, deadline, and whether translation is required.
Yes, many apostille requests can be handled by mail when the document is eligible and properly prepared.
A federal apostille is used for eligible federal documents such as FBI background checks and certain federal agency records.
A state apostille is used for documents issued, certified, or notarized under a specific state's authority.
Yes. Apostille and legalization authorities often require the country where the document will be used.
Sometimes, but some receiving countries or agencies require recently issued certified copies.
Yes, if they are properly certified by the court or appropriate official before submission.
Often yes, if the notarization or copy certification is allowed in the state and accepted by the receiving country.
Some OCI-related documents may need notarization, apostille, or other certification depending on the instruction checklist and document type.
Yes. Birth, marriage, death, divorce, and court records are commonly apostilled for dual citizenship applications.
Yes. A document review can identify whether you likely need notarization, state apostille, federal apostille, translation, or legalization.
No. Notarization verifies a signature or notarial act. Apostille authenticates the official signature or seal for international use.
Need help with an apostille or legalization?
Send the document type, issuing state or federal agency, destination country, and deadline. We can help you identify the correct apostille, authentication, notarization, translation, or legalization path.