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What Is an Apostille?
An Apostille is an official certificate issued by the Secretary of State to authenticate the origin of a document, allowing it to be recognized in another country.
If you need to use your U.S. documents abroad, an Apostille confirms that your notarization or government-issued record is legitimate and acceptable internationally.
Think of it as your document’s international passport.
🕊️ Why You Might Need an Apostille
You may need an Apostille when your U.S. documents are being sent or presented overseas for:
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🌐 Marriage or Divorce Abroad
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👶 Adoption or Custody Cases
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🏛️ Citizenship or Immigration
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🎓 Academic Credentials (Diplomas, Transcripts)
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🧾 Business Documents or Power of Attorney
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🪪 Birth, Death, or Marriage Certificates
If a foreign government, school, or company requests proof that your U.S. document is genuine, you'll likely need an Apostille.
🌐 Hague vs. Non-Hague Countries
Understanding whether your document is being sent to a Hague or non-Hague country determines the type of authentication required.
✅ Hague Convention Countries
If the destination country is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention (1961), your document only requires one Apostille certificate from the Secretary of State.
Once attached, it's recognized directly — no further embassy legalization required.
Examples:
France • Italy • Mexico • United Kingdom • Japan • India
Quick & Simple Process:
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Notarize (if required)
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Submit for Apostille
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Ready for international use
⚖️ Non-Hague Countries
If your document is going to a country not part of the Hague Convention, the process requires authentication and legalization through several steps:
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Notarization or Certification of the document
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Secretary of State Authentication
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U.S. Department of State Certification (if required)
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Embassy or Consulate Legalization of the destination country
Examples:
China • Qatar • Vietnam • United Arab Emirates
Don’t worry — Rey Ethan Mobile Notary Services can handle each step and ensure your process stays on track.
🗂️ Common Documents That Need Apostilles
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Birth or Death Certificates
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Marriage Certificates
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School Diplomas and Transcripts
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Power of Attorney Forms
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FBI Background Checks
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Adoption Documents
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Corporate Records
📌 Important: Only original or certified copies can be authenticated with an Apostille.
Scanned or photocopied versions must first be notarized as true copies.
🤝 How Rey Ethan Mobile Notary Services Can Help
At Rey Ethan Mobile Notary Services, we handle every step of your Apostille process so you don't have to worry about paperwork or delays.
Our Apostille assistance includes:
✅ Document review and preparation
✅ Notarization (if needed)
✅ Secretary of State submission
✅ Progress tracking and secure delivery
✅ Local pickup and drop-off options
We ensure your documents are processed correctly, quickly, and with care.
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At Rey Ethan Mobile Notary Services, proudly serving Wesley Chapel, Tampa Bay, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, and nearby communities, I make handling important documents convenient, secure, and stress-free. With 21 years of combined service in the United States Air Force and Air National Guard, I carry forward the values I lived by every day—Reliability, Integrity, and Service. Whether you need assistance with an apostille, estate planning package, loan signing, power of attorney, or business contracts, I bring professionalism, attention to detail, and care to every appointment.
My notary journey began with a passion for helping others and a desire to make vital paperwork more accessible. From notarizations and remote online services to translation services and estate plan document delivery, I’m committed to creating a smooth experience for every client. I understand the importance of having a notary who is dependable, punctual, and respectful of your privacy, and I take pride in being that trusted resource.
Outside of notarial work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family, traveling, and watching football - interests that keep me balanced and connected to the community I serve. These moments remind me why I love helping my neighbors during some of life’s most important milestones.
At Rey Ethan Mobile Notary Services, my mission is to provide reliable mobile and online notarizations, apostille processing, translation support, and estate planning assistance. I look forward to earning your trust, supporting your needs, and being your go-to notary service in Wesley Chapel and the greater Tampa Bay area.
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As a Notary Public, I bring hands-on experience with more than 32 loan products and continually expand my knowledge to provide a smooth, stress-free experience for your clients at the closing table. I handle a wide range of transactions, including Buyer and Seller closings, Refinances, HELOCs, Reverse Mortgages, New Home Builds, and Construction Loans. I'm also experienced with signing for LLCs, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, and Personal Representatives, ensuring every document is completed accurately and efficiently.
Whether you're a title company, law firm, lender, or individual, I'm here to make your closings seamless and worry-free.
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I make sure to stay up-to-date on all of my state laws and regulations as a Notary Public.
The National Notary Assocation is a rite of passage for a professional Notary Public. I keep my membership up-to-date!
My CNTDA badge shows I’m not just a notary. I’m one of the most educated professionals in my community when it comes to estate plan delivery.
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I offer in-person mobile Notary Public Services in the following zip codes of Wesley Chapel and surrounding area:
33523, 33525, 33526, 33539, 33540, 33541, 33542, 33543, 33544, 33545, 33559, 34637, 34638, and 34639
Frequently Asked General Apostille Questions
An apostille is a specialized certificate that authenticates a U.S. public document for use in a country that's a member of the 1961 Hague Convention. Think birth certificates, powers of attorney, and corporate documents used abroad. I help you determine whether you need an apostille or another form of authentication. Reference: U.S. Dept. of State—Apostille requirements. travel.state.gov
If the destination country is not a member of the Hague Convention, you won't get an apostille; you'll get state or federal authentication (sometimes called a "notarial certification"), and the document may need additional consular legalization. I'll map the exact path for your destination country. Reference: Florida Dept. of State FAQ (apostille vs. notarial certification). dos.fl.gov
It depends on the document. State-issued or notarized documents are typically sent to the state (e.g., the Secretary of State). Federal documents (such as FBI background checks, naturalization certificates, or letters from federal agencies) go to the U.S. Department of State – Office of Authentications.
Reference: USA.gov overview; U.S. Dept. of State Office of Authentications. usa.gov, travel.state.govSome documents (such as notarized statements or copies) must be notarized before being apostilled. Other documents, such as certified vital records, must be issued as certified copies from the proper authority. I'll review your document and keep you on the correct track. Reference: Florida Dept. of State instructions (originals, certified copies, proper notarial wording). dos.fl.gov
For federal documents, you complete Form DS-4194, include fees, and mail or present your packet to the U.S. Department of State. Processing times apply. I can help prepare the packet so it's clean and complete. Reference: Office of Authentications steps & DS-4194. travel.state.gov
Processing is first-come, first-served and varies by agency and season. I’ll give you realistic expectations and rush options if available for your case.
Technically, the apostille certificate itself doesn't have an expiration date built in. But foreign authorities may require the underlying document to be issued or notarized within the past year. I'll confirm the requirements for your destination so you're not caught off guard. Reference: Harbor Compliance.
Apostilles are issued by the state that issued the document or notarization. So a California birth certificate goes to California’s Secretary of State, even if you live in Florida. I handle multi-state cases routinely
Documents needed to be apostilled are processed by the appropriate Department of State, Division of Corporations (mail or walk-in). I prepare the request form and packet so it sails through.
Reference: Florida department of health.Yes. I routinely coordinate notarization, obtain correct certified copies, assemble the apostille packet, and manage mailing and returns—so you get one point of contact and a clean result.