Apostille assistance starts with understanding the document and destination. An apostille authenticates certain public documents for use in another country that participates in the Hague Apostille Convention. The steps depend on where the document was issued and where it will be used.

Identify the destination country

The destination determines whether an apostille is appropriate or whether another authentication process may be required.

Determine the document type

Vital records, court documents, notarized private documents, corporate records, and federally issued documents may follow different authentication paths.

Use the correct issuing authority

State-issued or notarized documents are generally handled through the appropriate state authority, while certain federal documents follow a federal process. Requirements should be confirmed before submission.

Apostille assistance starts with accurate records

Names, signatures, notarial certificates, document condition, and required certifications should be reviewed before the document is sent for authentication.

Understand the apostille assistance role

A document service can help organize and submit paperwork, but it does not provide legal advice or guarantee how a foreign authority will use the authenticated document.

Start here

Get the recipient’s written requirements, identify the document’s issuing authority, and confirm the submission route. Do this before sending originals or paying for unnecessary preparation.

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