What is an Apostille? A Simple Guide to Document Authentication for International Use
When you need to use official documents abroad, such as a birth certificate, marriage license, or legal contract, you may be asked to provide an Apostille. But what exactly is an Apostille, and why is it important?
An Apostille is a certificate that authenticates the signature of a public official on a document, allowing it to be used in another country. It ensures that the document is legally recognized across borders, eliminating the need for additional verification processes in foreign countries.
Here’s a closer look at what an Apostille does:
1. Authenticates the Signature of the Public Official
The primary function of an Apostille is to verify the signature on a document. It confirms that the person who signed the document is an authorized public official, such as a notary public, government official, or court representative. This is essential for documents being used internationally.
2. Confirms the Official’s Capacity
In some cases, the Apostille will also confirm the capacity in which the public official acted. For example, if a notary public signed the document, the Apostille will specify that they acted in that role. This ensures there’s no confusion about who verified the document and their authority to do so.
3. Verifies the Seal or Stamp
If the document bears an official seal or stamp—such as a notary public’s seal—the Apostille will identify and authenticate it. This adds an extra layer of legitimacy, showing that the document is properly authorized.
Why Is an Apostille Important?
The Apostille simplifies the process of validating documents for international use. Many countries, especially those that are part of the Hague Convention of 1961, accept Apostilled documents without the need for additional legalization steps. This means you can use documents like your birth certificate, power of attorney, or court rulings in other countries without unnecessary delays or bureaucracy.
If you’re planning to use a document abroad, an Apostille can save you time and ensure that your paperwork is accepted in a foreign country without a hitch.
We offer notarization services and will prepare your documents for the Apostille process with the Secretary of State. To get started, please fill out the form below or give us a call so we can discuss your needs and provide pricing information.
We will provide this form, (Apostille Services) or you could download it and have it filled out prior to your appointment.
Fees to the Secretary of State
Please note that the Secretary of State’s fees are separate from our service charges and must be paid directly to the Secretary of State. Payment should be made by check or money order, payable to the Secretary of State.
The state charges a $20 fee for the certification of each document requiring an Apostille.
In addition, there is a flat processing fee of $6.00, which applies to all submissions, regardless of the number of documents.
Example of Fees
(S.O.S.)
If you need to Apostille three documents, the fees would be $60.00, which is the total of three fees of $20 each, plus a handling fee of $6.00.
Therefore, the Secretary of State fees (S.O.S.) for processing the three documents would be $66.00
in total.
Call or text 916-224-2426 for Apostille Services or complete the form below