Apostilles & Certifications
Authenticating documents so nothing holds you back.
Need to use your documents abroad or prove their authenticity? We take the hassle out of legalizing your documents for international or domestic use. Whether you’re dealing with birth certificates, diplomas, powers of attorney, or business documents, we handle the process quickly, accurately, and securely so you don’t have to. We’re here to offer:
- Fast and reliable processing and turnaround times.
- Secure handling of personal and business documents.
- Peace of mind knowing your documents are legally authenticated for use abroad.
- Expert and friendly support to simplify the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about our Apostilles & Certifications services? You’ve come to the right place.
1.How long does the apostille process take?
Processing times vary by agency. We typically see apostille processing times range from 1-3 weeks, however some agencies can take longer depending on current demand.
2.How do you send physical documents?
International shipments are sent via DHL, FedEx, or UPS with tracking. Domestic shipments within the United States are mailed via USPS Priority with tracking.
3.What is an apostille?
An apostille is a form of authentication issued to documents for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. It certifies that the person who signed the original document was authorized to do so by the proper authorities and that it is actually their signature on the document.
4.What is the difference between an apostille and a certification?
An apostille is used for documents going to countries in the Hague Convention, while a certification (or embassy legalization) is used for countries that are not members of the Convention.
5.What countries require certifications instead of apostilles?
Countries not part of the Hague Apostille Convention (like China, UAE, or Qatar) require embassy or consular legalization instead of an apostille.
6.What types of documents can be apostilled or certified?
Common documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, transcripts, powers of attorney, corporate documents, and notarized affidavits.
7.Do I need to notarize my document first?
Some documents (like powers of attorney or affidavits) must be notarized first. Vital records (like birth or marriage certificates)don’t typically require notarization, however, they must be certified copies issued by the appropriate government agency.
8.Can you handle documents from any U.S. state?
Yes, we can handle apostilles for all fifty states in the US as well as for federally issued documents.
9.Will my document be legally valid overseas after your service?
Apostilles and certifications authenticate a document for official use with foreign entities and government agencies. The document will be legally valid in the sense that it will have undergone the proper procedure for authentication with the intended foreign agency.
This service does not guarantee that:
- You have requested the correct document with accurate information
- The document requested meets any application criteria for the reviewing agency
The documents you need are closer than you think.
Life as an expat is already full of bureaucracy. We’re here to simplify the entire process of getting the documents you need.
Quote Request & Scheduling
Fingerprinting & Document Requests
Final Document Delivery
Background Checks
National and state-level fingerprint and name-based background checks.
Vital Records
Simplified retrieval of birth certificates, marriage records, and more from your home country.