What is an Apostille and When Do You Need One?
You may have heard the word “apostille” tossed around in legal or international conversations, but what does it actually mean?
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that verifies the authenticity of a document issued in one country so it can be legally recognized in another. It’s part of an international agreement called the Hague Apostille Convention.
When You Need One
You’ll need an apostille when you’re using U.S. documents in a foreign country for:
- Marriage abroad
- Adoption
- International business contracts
- Dual citizenship applications
- Overseas legal proceedings
Not the Same as a Notarization
A notarization confirms your signature. An apostille confirms the entire document’s legitimacy, including the authority of the official who signed it.
How to Get One
- State-issued documents (like birth or marriage certificates) must be apostilled by the Secretary of State in the issuing state
- Federal documents (like FBI background checks) go through the U.S. Department of State
We can help you figure out where your document needs to go and handle the paperwork for you.
📞 Call 713-874-1420 and let us help you get your apostille processed—accurately and quickly.