Apostilles are recognized by countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. If your destination country is not a member, you may need a different authentication, often called embassy/legalization. 

Common documents include birth/death certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, powers of attorney, court documents, business records, and notarial documents. Public documents from government authorities often require an apostille for international use.

To obtain an apostille, you will provide us with your original or certified copy of the document so we can go through the correct channels based on the state to obtain an apostille. 

Yes. Many documents, such as powers of attorney, must be notarized before the apostille process, because the apostille authenticates the notary’s signature. 

No. Apostilles are issued by the authority in the country where the document originated. If your document was issued in another country, you need to contact that country’s competent authority for an apostille. 

Processing times vary by state and authority. Some offices offer standard processing in several business days, while others may offer expedited service for an additional fee. 

If your destination country is not a member of the Hague Convention, you may need an authentication certificate or further legalization through the foreign embassy or consulate. 

That depends on the country’s requirements. Some countries require both an apostille and a certified translation to accept your documents for legal, educational, or immigration purposes. 

Yes. Many apostille authorities allow you to submit requests by mail or in person with the required forms, original documents, fees, and a return envelope. Check the specific state or country requirements.