Apostille Meaning

What is the meaning of an apostille?

An Apostille is simply the name for a specialized certificate, issued by the Secretary of State. The Apostille is attached to your original document to verify it is legitimate and authentic so it will be accepted in one of the countries who are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

There are currently 117 countries who are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

In the United States, all 50 states and the Federal Government (US Department of State – Office of Authentication) can issue an Apostille. We have provided an example of every U.S. State and U.S. Federal apostille.

In 1961, many countries joined together to create a simplified method of “legalizing” documents for universal recognition. Members of the conference, referred to as the Hague Convention, adopted a document referred to as an Apostille that would be recognized by all member countries.

For example, if your document requires notarization (Example: Power of Attorney), then the apostille will authenticate the notary’s seal and signature. The notary would be the public official. For vital record documents (Birth, Death, Marriage) the official would be the County Clerk or the State Registrar.

Here is an example of model certificate of an apostille:Obtaining an apostille can be complicated and time-consuming. Don’t leave this process to untrained employees or non-professionals who do not fully understand the apostille process and the unique requirements of certain countries. Your paperwork could be rejected costing you time and money. Don’t let this happen to you!

Our staff is available Monday-Saturday from 8am to 7pm to answer your questions and provide you easy to follow-step-by-step instructions. Please call us at 1-800-903-2470 or email: support@nationalapostille.com

Click the PDF download image to get started. Our apostille service is fast, convenient, and saves you time and money.

Are you interested to know what is the Apostille Meaning?

Why do documents need to be apostilled in the first place? Why won’t other countries accept the original documents without the apostille?

In a nutshell, an apostille is a certificate attached by the state authenticating the official who has signed your documents. An apostille is typically letter size (8.5 x 11) and attached to the official document by a staple(s) or rivet. Some states may attach a ribbon. An apostille does not authenticate the content of the documents just the official signatures.

Quick links:
What is an apostille?
Hague Apostille Countries
State Apostille Examples

Here is typically what’s included in a Apostille:

Country … [country name] This public document
has been signed by … [name]
acting in the capacity of … [function]
bears the seal/stamp of … [authority] certified
at … [location]
the … [date]
by … [name]
No … [apostille registration number]
Seal/stamp … [of the authority giving the apostille]
Signature … [signature of authority giving the apostille]

In the U.S., there are 52 different apostilles. Apostilles are issued by all 50 states, the District of Colombia, and the U.S. Department of State. In order for another country to accept your documents, they must receive an apostille. Countries who are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention will generally not receive an apostille unless the apostille has a disclaimer. Also, countries who are non-members will take an average of three steps to complete (AKA: Embassy Consulate Legalization).

Without an apostille, how would the foreign country even know if your documents are legitimate? It’s basically a check and balance system allowing apostille member countries to accept each other’s documents without the need for you to travel or the expense of the three step legalization process.

Note: Beware of web-sites that ask you to upload your documents! Only original documents can receive an apostille from the Secretary of State.

Obtaining an apostille can be complicated and time-consuming. Don’t leave this process to untrained employees or non-professionals who do not fully understand the apostille process and the unique requirements of certain countries. Your paperwork could be rejected costing you time and money. Don’t let this happen to you!

Click the PDF download image to get started. Our apostille service is fast, convenient, and saves you time and money.