Translation and Apostille Services: Everything You Need to Know
If you’re submitting documents to a foreign government, university, or business, chances are you’ll need them both translated and apostilled. These requirements are standard for immigration, citizenship, academic enrollment, employment, and legal procedures abroad. At Orange County Apostille, we offer comprehensive services—including both document translation and apostille certification—to help ensure your paperwork is recognized and accepted internationally.
To get started, book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in Hague Apostille Convention member countries. Apostilles validate documents like:
- Birth certificates (CDC Vital Records)
- Marriage licenses (California Department of Public Health)
- Diplomas and transcripts (U.S. Department of Education)
- FBI background checks (FBI Identity History Summary)
- Court records (United States Courts)
Once apostilled, these documents are legally accepted in over 120 countries.
When You Need Translation Services
Translation is often required when documents are being submitted to a country that does not speak English as an official language. Examples include:
- Applying for dual citizenship in countries like Mexico, Spain, or Italy
- Submitting educational credentials to foreign institutions
- Preparing legal or court documents for overseas use
- Filing visa or immigration petitions in countries like Brazil or France
In such cases, the foreign authority will typically request both:
- A certified translation of the document
- An apostille to verify the original document
We work with certified translators and ensure your document is formatted, translated, and apostilled in accordance with international standards.
Which Documents Commonly Require Translation and Apostille?
1. Birth and Death Certificates
- Source: CDC Vital Records
2. Marriage and Divorce Records
- Source: California Courts
3. FBI Background Checks
- Source: FBI
4. Naturalization Certificates and Immigration Documents
5. University Diplomas and Transcripts
- Source: National Student Clearinghouse
6. IRS Tax Records
- Source: Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
7. Social Security Verification Letters
- Source: Social Security Administration
8. Patent or Trademark Filings
9. FDA Export Certificates
10. Military Records (DD-214)
- Source: National Archives
How the Process Works at Orange County Apostille
Step 1: Document Review
We evaluate your document to determine whether it requires notarization, certification, or translation before apostille.
Step 2: Certified Translation
We work with ATA-certified translators to translate your documents into the required language. The translation is then certified and notarized.
👉 Learn more about the American Translators Association
Step 3: Apostille Submission
We submit the original document or certified copy along with the translated version to the California Secretary of State Apostille Unit or the U.S. Department of State for federal documents.
Step 4: Delivery
Once completed, we return the apostilled and translated documents via secure courier options such as FedEx, UPS, or DHL.
Why Use a Professional Apostille and Translation Service?
- Error-Free Processing: We ensure that your documents meet all foreign legal requirements.
- Faster Turnaround: We offer same-day and 24-hour expedited services.
- Secure Handling: All documents are tracked and managed by trained professionals.
- Full-Service Support: From notarization to embassy legalization (if required), we handle it all.
Countries That Frequently Require Apostille and Translation
- Mexico (SRE)
- Italy (Ministero degli Affari Esteri)
- France (Ministère de l’Europe et des Affaires étrangères)
- Brazil (Ministério das Relações Exteriores)
- Germany (Auswärtiges Amt)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do you provide translation for any language?
Yes, we work with a network of certified translators covering over 100 languages.
How long does the translation and apostille process take?
- Standard processing: 5–10 business days
- Expedited processing: 24–48 hours available upon request
Do you notarize translated documents?
Yes, our certified translations are notarized before being submitted for apostille.
What if my documents are for a non-Hague country?
We also offer embassy legalization services for countries that are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
👉 Check your country’s status here: Hague Apostille Members
Conclusion
When dealing with international paperwork, accuracy and legality are critical. Whether you need your documents translated into Spanish for Mexico, French for France, or Italian for Italy, Orange County Apostille can handle the entire process—translation, notarization, and apostille.
To ensure your documents are processed quickly and correctly, book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today!
