General Questions
1. What is an apostille?
An apostille is a form of authentication issued to documents for use in countries that participate in the Hague Convention of 1961.
2. Why do I need an apostille?
An apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature on the document, the capacity in which the person signing the document acted, and the identity of any stamp or seal attached to the document.
3. Which documents require an apostille?
Common documents that require an apostille include birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, powers of attorney, court orders, diplomas, and corporate documents like articles of incorporation.
4. How can I request an apostille from Orange County Apostille?
You can request an apostille by submitting your documents online through our website, mailing them to our office, or visiting us in person.
5. What is the difference between an apostille and a notarization?
Notarization authenticates the identity of the signer of the document, whereas an apostille certifies the document for international use under the terms of the Hague Convention.
Service-Specific Questions
6. How long does it take to get an apostille?
Standard processing time is 5-7 business days, but expedited services are available for an additional fee.
7. What are your fees for obtaining an apostille?
Fees vary depending on the type of document and the processing time required. Please visit our website for a detailed pricing structure.
8. Do you offer any discounts?
Yes, we offer discounts for multiple documents and for military personnel.
9. Can you apostille documents from other states?
Yes, we can apostille documents issued in any U.S. state, but the documents must be submitted to the respective state’s competent authority.
10. Do you offer international shipping for completed apostilles?
Yes, we can ship apostilled documents internationally using FedEx, UPS, or DHL at an additional cost.
Documentation Questions
11. What do I need to provide with my document for an apostille?
You need to provide the original document or a certified copy, along with the apostille request form available on our website.
12. Can you apostille electronic documents?
Yes, we can apostille certain electronic documents if they are properly notarized and meet state guidelines.
13. How do I know if my document needs to be translated?
If the receiving country’s official language is not English, you will likely need a certified translation of the document along with the apostille.
14. What happens if my document is rejected?
If your document is rejected, we will provide a full explanation of the reasons and assist you in correcting any issues where possible.
15. Can I get an apostille for a photocopy of a document?
Only certain documents can be apostilled as photocopies, typically those that have been notarized. Birth, death, and marriage certificates must be original or certified copies.
Special Circumstances
16. What should I do if I need an apostille for a country that is not part of the Hague Convention?
Documents for countries not part of the Hague Convention typically require a chain authentication process known as legalization, which we can assist with.
17. Can I track the status of my apostille request?
Yes, you can track the status of your apostille request through our online portal or by contacting our customer service team.
18. What types of payment do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards, checks, and bank transfers.
19. Is there a rush option available for urgent requests?
Yes, we offer a 24-hour rush service for urgent requests at an additional charge.
20. Do you handle educational documents for use abroad?
Yes, we can process educational documents like diplomas and transcripts for apostille and authentication.
After Service
21. How will I receive my apostilled documents?
Apostilled documents can be picked up in person, sent by standard mail, or couriered through expedited shipping options.
22. What is your refund policy?
We offer refunds if we are unable to process your apostille, minus any non-recoverable costs incurred on your behalf.
23. Can you apostille federal documents?
Yes, we can process federal documents like FBI background checks through our office in Washington, D.C.
24. What should I do if my apostilled document is lost in transit?
We offer document insurance and can assist in reprocessing the document if it gets lost during shipping.
25. Who can I contact for support if I have questions about my order?
You can contact our customer support team via phone, email, or live chat on our website for assistance with any questions or concerns regarding your order.
