Apostille 101: Everything You Need to Know About Authenticating Documents for Foreign Use

If you need to have your documents authenticated for use in foreign countries, you will likely require an apostille. As a global company that specializes in providing various notary, signing, and apostille services, we understand the intricacies of apostille requirements and are here to guide you through the process.

An apostille is an authentication certificate that verifies the seals and signatures of officials on public documents. It certifies the document(s) so that they can be recognized in foreign countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty. Without an apostille, your documents may not be recognized in foreign countries, which can be problematic if you need to use these documents for personal or business purposes.

Before submitting your documents to us for apostille services, there are some important requirements to note. First, you must notarize each document in front of a notary public. If you are using a notary commissioned by the county, you must certify your document at the clerk of court and then the secretary of state. If you are using a notary commissioned by the state, you must certify your document at the secretary of state.

It is important to note that we only accept documents with original seals and signatures. Copies are only acceptable if they are "true certified copies" from a notary public. Birth, marriage, and death certificates, divorce decrees, court documents, and federally-issued documents cannot be certified by a notary public as "true copies." These documents must be certified by the secretary of state.

All documents in a foreign language must be translated into English by a certified translator and notarized as a true translation. Failure to obtain the correct notarization(s) or original seals and signatures may result in the rejection of your request.

Obtaining an apostille for your documents is crucial if you plan to use them abroad. With our comprehensive guide and exceptional services, we can help you navigate the intricacies of apostille requirements and ensure that your documents are authenticated to the highest standards. Contact us today to learn more about our apostille services and how we can help you. For more detailed information on our apostille services, please visit our website at https://www.atlnotarypro.com/