Get Your Documents Accepted Anywhere

Key facts

• 50K+ Documents Processed
• 180+ Countries Served
• 49 Years Experience
• 24hr Rush Available
• Service type: Document Authentication
• Area served: US

Frequently asked questions

What is an apostille and when do I need one?

An apostille is a certificate issued by a government authority (usually the Secretary of State or the U.S. Department of State) that authenticates a public document for use in another country. You need one when a Hague Convention country (125+ countries) requires proof that your document is genuine — common scenarios include marriage abroad, foreign school enrollment, international employment, or business incorporation overseas.

How do I know if my destination country requires an apostille or embassy legalization?

It depends on whether the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Hague member countries accept apostilles; non-member countries require full embassy legalization (also called consular legalization). Our free document review will identify exactly which process applies to your situation.

Can you apostille any document?

Apostilles can be placed on public documents: birth, marriage, and death certificates; court records; notarized documents; diplomas from accredited institutions; FBI background checks; and documents signed by government officials. Private documents (like private contracts) usually need to be notarized first, then apostilled.

How long does the process take?

Standard processing typically takes 7–15 business days, Rush is 4–7 business days, and Super Rush is 1–3 business days. Turnaround depends on the destination country, the type of document, and which government offices are involved. We'll give you a precise estimate during your free review.

Do I need to send my original documents?

For most apostilles and state-level certifications, yes — government offices generally require original documents or certified copies. We'll tell you exactly what's needed during the free review. Insured, trackable courier shipping is available as a separate add-on — it's not bundled into the service fee.

What is embassy legalization and how is it different from an apostille?

Embassy legalization (also called consular legalization or chain authentication) is a multi-step process required for countries that are not members of the Hague Convention. It typically involves: (1) notarization, (2) state certification, (3) U.S. Department of State authentication, and (4) the destination country's embassy or consulate certification. It's more involved than an apostille but we manage the entire chain.

Can you handle documents from any U.S. state?

Yes. We process documents issued by all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories. Each state has its own Secretary of State office and procedures — we're familiar with all of them.

Do you offer certified translation services?

Yes, we can arrange certified translation for documents that need to be translated before authentication. This is often required when the destination country's embassy requires documents in a specific language.

What happens if my documents are rejected?

Rejections are rare when documents are properly prepared, which is why we conduct a thorough review before submission. In the unlikely event of a rejection, we'll rework the documents and resubmit at no additional charge for preparation fees.

Can you handle corporate or bulk document orders?

Absolutely. We regularly process large volumes of corporate documents for law firms, corporations, and HR departments. Contact us for volume pricing and dedicated account management.