What Is an Apostille?

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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.

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🕊️ Why You Might Need an Apostille

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You may need an Apostille when your U.S. documents are being sent or presented overseas for:

• 🌐 Marriage or Divorce Abroad

• 👶 Adoption or Custody Cases

• 🏛️ Citizenship or Immigration

• 🎓 Academic Credentials (Diplomas, Transcripts)

• 🧾 Business Documents or Power of Attorney

• 🪪 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.

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🌐 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.

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✅ 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.

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Examples:
France • Italy • Mexico • United Kingdom • Japan • India

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Quick & Simple Process:

1. Notarize (if required)

2. Submit for Apostille

3. Ready for international use

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⚖️ 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:

1. Notarization or Certification of the document

2. Secretary of State Authentication

3. U.S. Department of State Certification (if required)

4. Embassy or Consulate Legalization of the destination country

Examples:
China • Qatar • Vietnam • United Arab Emirates

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Don’t worry — Rey Ethan Mobile Notary Services can handle each step and ensure your process stays on track.

🗂️ Common Documents That Need Apostilles

• Birth or Death Certificates

• Marriage Certificates

• School Diplomas and Transcripts

• Power of Attorney Forms

• FBI Background Checks

• Adoption Documents

• Corporate Records

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📌 Important: Only original or certified copies can be authenticated with an Apostille.
Scanned or photocopied versions must first be notarized as true copies.

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🤝 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

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We ensure your documents are processed correctly, quickly, and with care.