Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Get Your Apostille—We Can Help!

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Get Your Apostille—We Can Help!

When you’re dealing with international matters like visa applications, dual citizenship, foreign adoptions, or international business, your documents often require an apostille. Yet, many people wait until the last minute, only to discover that obtaining an apostille can take several days—or even weeks—depending on the document type and issuing authority.

At Orange County Apostille, we specialize in helping clients navigate the apostille process efficiently. Book your appointment now to avoid unnecessary stress and delays.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is a certification that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in another country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. It is issued by the competent authority of the country where the document was created.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until the Last Minute

1. Processing Times Vary

California state-level apostilles typically take 5-10 business days, depending on the workload at the California Secretary of State.
Federal-level apostilles, such as for FBI background checks, must go through the U.S. Department of State and can take 3–6 weeks.

2. You May Need Time to Order Certified Copies

For documents like birth, marriage, or death certificates, you must first request certified copies from your state’s vital records office, such as:

California Department of Public Health
CDC Vital Records

Delays can occur if your certified document is lost, expired, or incorrectly formatted.

3. Additional Requirements May Apply

Some documents require notarization before they can be apostilled. Ensure you use a state-commissioned notary public from a trusted organization like the National Notary Association.

4. You Might Need Translations

If you’re sending documents to a non-English-speaking country, they may require certified translations. It takes time to:

Find a qualified translator
Get the translation notarized
Submit both original and translated documents for apostille

Use services recognized by the American Translators Association.

5. Embassy Legalization May Be Required

If your destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, you’ll need embassy or consular legalization. Visit:

Embassy World to verify if your country requires apostille or legalization.

Documents That Commonly Require an Apostille

Vital Records

Birth, marriage, and death certificates (CDC)
Divorce decrees (California Courts)

Education Documents

Diplomas and transcripts (U.S. Department of Education)
Foreign student verification letters

Legal and Government Records

FBI background checks (FBI Identity History Summary Checks)
Naturalization certificates (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
IRS tax records (Internal Revenue Service)

Business and Commercial Documents

Articles of incorporation, bylaws (California Secretary of State)
Patents and trademarks (United States Patent and Trademark Office)

Medical and Insurance Records

Medical statements for international care
Power of attorney for overseas treatment

How Orange County Apostille Can Help

1. Document Review

We review all documents to ensure they are in the correct format and meet the legal requirements for apostille.

2. Notarization Services

Our network includes licensed notaries who can notarize your documents before submission.

3. Submission to the Right Authority

We know whether your document needs to go to the California Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State, or a foreign embassy.

4. Expedited Processing

We offer same-day and 24-hour services for urgent requests, including for:

Dual citizenship applications
International adoptions
Immigration deadlines

5. Secure and Trackable Delivery

We partner with FedEx, UPS, and DHL for fast and secure document delivery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Long Does the Apostille Process Take?

State documents: 5–10 business days
Federal documents: 3–6 weeks
Expedited services: 24–48 hours with Orange County Apostille

Can I Apostille a Digital Document?

No. Apostilles require physical certified documents. Electronic submissions are not accepted unless issued by an e-apostille program.

What If I Have a Deadline in a Few Days?

What If My Document Needs Translation?

We work with certified translators and notaries to provide full translation and notarization services.

Conclusion

If you’re preparing for an international move, applying for citizenship, or submitting foreign business paperwork, don’t wait until the last minute to get your apostille. Delays can lead to missed opportunities, denied applications, or rescheduled plans.

For peace of mind and professional handling, book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today. Let us help you meet your deadlines with confidence!

Hague Apostille Convention – HCCH

U.S. Department of State Apostille Services

California Secretary of State Apostille Unit

FBI Identity History Summary Checks

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

CDC Vital Records

Social Security Administration

U.S. Courts – Federal Records

IRS – Request Your Transcript

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

National Archives (Request Military Records)