When documents are presented in another country, they sometimes require a certification to assure the authenticity of the document. The certification is called an apostille or a Certificate of Authenticity and is a legalized form that confirms the signature of the official who signed the document. There are many types of documents that may need to be apostilled or authenticated. It is important to check with the foreign embassy or consulate of the country where the document will be presented for more information about their requirements.

US Apostille Services: Fast and Reliable Document Legalization

An US apostille services is an internationally recognized legalization service based on a treaty between member countries known as the Hague Convention of 1961. Under the Convention, public documents issued in one signatory nation can be automatically recognized in other nations as valid if they bear an apostille stamp. Documents that can be processed with an apostille include birth, marriage, and death certificates; certified copies of court rulings and other notarized documents; extracts from commercial or other registers; notarial acts; and academic diplomas.

The apostille process involves having the document notarized (a sealed certificate that confirms the authority of the notary public), reviewed by state or county officials, and then certified by the State Department. There are 81 countries that do not participate in the Hague Convention and must follow a different procedure to ensure their documents will be recognized by other nations. This procedure is called a full legalization and is a more time-consuming process.