An apostille is an official certificate issued by a competent authority to authenticate the origin of a public document for use in another country that recognizes the Hague Apostille Convention.

It verifies the authenticity of the relevant signature, the capacity in which the person signing the document acted, and, where applicable, the identity of the seal or stamp.

An apostille does not verify the accuracy of the document's contents or guarantee that the receiving authority will accept it for every purpose.

The appropriate process depends on the country where your document will be used.

Apostille: Generally applies when the destination country recognizes the Hague Apostille Convention and the document qualifies for apostille processing.

Consular Legalization: May be required when the destination country does not accept an apostille for the intended purpose. The process can involve state authentication, federal authentication, and embassy or consular legalization, depending on the document.

Express Apostille Global helps identify the appropriate procedure based on your document and destination country.

This depends on the destination country, the type of document, and the requirements of the organization requesting it.

Before placing your order, confirm whether the receiving authority requires an apostille, traditional legalization, notarization, translation, or additional certification.

If you are unsure, contact Express Apostille Global for guidance before submitting your documents.

We assist with authentication requests for a wide range of eligible documents, including:

Personal Documents

• Birth, marriage, and death certificates.
• Divorce decrees and other court documents.
• Passports and driver’s license copies, where eligible.
• Powers of Attorney and affidavits.
• FBI Identity History Summaries.
• Employment letters and authorization documents.
• Other personal and civil records.

Educational Documents

• High school diplomas.
• College and university degrees.
• Academic transcripts.
• Enrollment verification letters.
• Teaching certificates and other academic records.

Business and Corporate Documents

• Certificates of Good Standing.
• Articles of Incorporation or Organization.
• Corporate resolutions and meeting minutes.
• Business affidavits and Powers of Attorney.
• Certificates of Origin.
• Commercial agreements and other corporate records.

Federal Documents

• FBI background checks.
• Eligible federal certificates and records.
• Other documents issued or certified by qualifying U.S. federal authorities.

Eligibility and processing requirements vary by document type and issuing authority. Some documents require additional certification before an apostille can be issued.

Express Apostille Global assists with document authentication across the United States, including all 50 states and Washington, D.C., subject to the applicable requirements.

The correct procedure depends on where the document was issued, where it was notarized, or which authority must authenticate the relevant signature.

Federal documents may require a separate process through the U.S. Department of State.

Document Requirements

Not always. The required format depends on the document and the authority responsible for authentication.

For example:

• Vital Records: Birth, marriage, and death certificates commonly require certified copies issued by the appropriate government authority.
• Educational Documents: Some states require notarization, school verification, or certification by an educational authority.
• Personal Documents: Certain documents may require notarization or an appropriately certified copy.
• Corporate Documents: Requirements may include state-issued records, notarized signatures, or additional certifications.
• Federal Documents: These must meet the requirements of the relevant federal authentication process.

A photocopy or scanned document is not automatically eligible for an apostille. We recommend confirming the requirements before submitting your order.

Some documents can be processed using a scan or electronic document, while others require an original document or a specific certified format.

The available procedure depends on the document type, the issuing authority, and the applicable authentication rules.

If you plan to submit a scanned copy, confirm that it is acceptable for your intended service before placing your order.

A True Copy Certification confirms that a copy accurately reproduces an original document presented for comparison, subject to the applicable rules.

This procedure may be used for certain documents, such as passports, driver’s licenses, and educational records, when the receiving authority accepts a certified copy.

However, not every state permits the same copy-certification procedure, and certain documents must be issued or verified directly by the original issuing authority.

Document procurement and document authentication are separate services.

Express Apostille Global may assist with the authentication of eligible vital records, but obtaining a new birth, marriage, or death certificate directly from a government agency may require a separate application.

If you do not have the required certified record, contact us before placing your order so we can help you understand the appropriate next steps.

Some documents must be notarized before they can be authenticated.

The appropriate notarization procedure depends on the document, the state where notarization takes place, and the requirements of the receiving authority.

Do not sign a document in advance if the notary or receiving institution requires you to sign in the notary's presence.

Processing Times and Shipping

Processing times vary depending on several factors, including:

• The state or federal authority responsible for authentication.
• Whether the document requires additional certification.
• Whether federal authentication is necessary.
• Embassy or consular processing requirements.
• Government processing volumes and delivery arrangements.

Scanned-document services and original-document services may have different processing times. We provide an estimated timeline based on the applicable service before processing begins.

Please remember that government processing and shipping times are separate and that delays may occur.

Expedited processing may be available for certain documents and jurisdictions.

Availability depends on the competent authority, the type of authentication required, and the applicable service options. Expedited processing cannot guarantee that a government agency or consulate will complete the process by a particular date.

Contact us before ordering if you have a deadline or need to explore faster processing options.

Not necessarily. Processing time generally refers to the time required to complete the applicable authentication procedure.

Shipping and delivery may require additional time depending on the selected shipping service, destination, and carrier.

If you are working toward a deadline, allow sufficient time for both processing and delivery.

International document return shipping may be available depending on the selected service and destination.

When placing your order, provide the correct recipient name, contact information, and complete delivery address. Additional shipping fees or restrictions may apply.

Yes, we assist with FBI background check apostille requests for eligible FBI Identity History Summaries intended for international use.

FBI reports follow a federal authentication procedure, which differs from the process used for many state-issued documents.

The report must meet the applicable U.S. Department of State requirements before it can be submitted for an apostille.

An electronic PDF may be accepted for certain FBI apostille procedures, provided it meets the applicable federal requirements.

If your report is password-protected, follow the secure submission instructions provided during the order process.

If you received only a paper report, contact our team for instructions before mailing your document.

Notarization and Remote Online Notarization

Remote Online Notarization (RON) may be available for eligible documents, subject to state law, identity verification requirements, and the receiving authority's acceptance.

The process typically involves an online appointment, identity verification, and signing before an authorized notary through an approved platform.

Not every document or international transaction qualifies for remote notarization. Confirm eligibility before placing your order.

Requirements vary depending on the service and jurisdiction, but you may need:

• The completed document, left unsigned if required.
• A valid government-issued photo identification document.
• Access to a compatible device with a camera and microphone.
• Any required witnesses or supporting documentation.

Follow the specific instructions provided when your appointment is scheduled.

An apostille may be available after an eligible remote notarization if the notarization and associated electronic or physical records meet the competent authority's requirements.

Acceptance depends on the state responsible for authentication and the destination country's requirements.

Our team can help determine whether the proposed notarization and authentication route is suitable for your document.

Translations and International Requirements

Professional translation services may be available for documents requiring translation into another language. Requirements differ by country and receiving institution. Some authorities accept certified translations, while others require sworn translators, court-approved translators, or translations completed under specific local procedures.

Not every translation requires an apostille.

Depending on the receiving authority, the translation may need certification, notarization, an apostille, or consular legalization. In some cases, the original document and its translation must be submitted together.

Confirm the receiving authority's requirements before ordering translation or authentication services.

Yes, we can help assess authentication and legalization requirements for eligible documents intended for use in countries where traditional consular legalization may be necessary.

Depending on the document, the process may involve state certification, federal authentication, and legalization by the relevant embassy or consulate.

The exact procedure depends on the destination country and the type of document.

Orders, Payments, and Customer Support

You can begin by visiting our online order page and selecting the appropriate service.

To get started:

1. Identify the document you need to authenticate.
2. Confirm the country where you intend to use it.
3. Review any special requirements from the receiving authority.
4. Submit your order and provide the requested document information.
5. Follow any additional instructions from our team.

If you are unsure which service to select, contact us before placing your order.

Start Your Apostille Order

If you are uncertain about the document format, notarization requirements, or authentication route, contact our team for a preliminary review.

Please explain the type of document, the state or federal authority that issued it, and the destination country. Include any instructions supplied by the receiving institution.

A preliminary review can help identify potential requirements, but final acceptance remains subject to the competent authority and the receiving organization.

Documents may be rejected for several reasons, including:

• Incorrect notarization or certification.
• Missing signatures, seals, or supporting records.
• An ineligible document format.
• Submission to the wrong authority.
• Failure to meet the destination country's requirements.

If a problem occurs, our team can help explain the reason for rejection and identify possible next steps.

Any reprocessing, refund, or additional service arrangements are subject to the applicable service terms and the circumstances of the rejection.

Order changes and cancellations depend on the service status and whether work, notarization, government submissions, or shipping arrangements have already begun.

Contact our team as soon as possible if you need to change your document details, destination country, shipping address, or selected service.

Additional fees may apply when changes require new work or third-party charges.

If you need help selecting a service or understanding document requirements, contact Express Apostille Global through the contact options listed on our website.

You can also visit our online order page to begin your request.

Contact Express Apostille Global

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We are here to help you navigate the document authentication process for your international needs.