Apostille Assistance Frequently Asked Questions
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document so it can be recognized in another country that participates in the Hague Apostille Convention.
Do I need an apostille or authentication?
It depends on the country where your document will be used. Documents going to countries that participate in the Hague Apostille Convention generally require an apostille. Other countries may require a different authentication or legalization process.
Does my document need to be notarized first?
Some documents require notarization before they can receive an apostille, while others do not. The requirements depend on the type of document and the authority that issued it.
Can you assist with birth, marriage, and death certificates?
Yes. Certified vital records such as birth, marriage, and death certificates can often be apostilled. The requirements depend on where the record was issued and the type of certified copy you have.
Can you help with documents issued outside Florida?
Yes. We can assist with many documents issued in other U.S. states. Apostilles are generally obtained through the appropriate authority in the state connected to the document, so the process will vary.
Can you assist with federal documents?
Yes. Certain documents issued by federal agencies follow a federal authentication process rather than being submitted through a state. We can help determine the appropriate process for your document.
How long does the apostille process take?
Processing times vary depending on the document, issuing authority, destination country, and submission method. We'll discuss the expected processing time with you before your documents are submitted.
Do I need to provide the original document?
It depends on the document. Some requests require an original or certified copy, while others involve properly notarized documents. We'll confirm what is required for your specific document.
What countries accept apostilles?
Apostilles are accepted by countries participating in the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents being used in a country that does not participate may require additional authentication or legalization instead.
Do I need to be located in South Florida to use your apostille service?
No. Apostille assistance is available nationwide. Documents can be sent to Call To Sign for processing and returned once the required apostille or authentication process is complete. We'll provide instructions based on your document and where it was issued.
