Apostille and Notary Services: Complete Assistance for Your Documents
At Orange County Apostille, we understand the importance of document authentication for international use. Whether you need to apostille your documents or have them notarized, our team ensures that your documents meet all legal requirements for acceptance in Hague Apostille Convention countries.
Our services provide a fast, reliable, and efficient process for obtaining an apostille or notary certification for birth certificates, marriage certificates, FBI background checks, and other legal documents. Book your appointment today with Orange County Apostille and let us handle the entire process for you.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official certificate that authenticates a U.S. document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. It eliminates the need for further embassy or consular legalization.
Why Do You Need an Apostille?
- International employment (U.S. Department of State)
- Visa and residency applications (National Visa Center)
- Immigration and citizenship requests (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
- Business and corporate registrations (California Secretary of State)
- Education and foreign degree recognition (U.S. Department of Education)
Notary Services: A Crucial Step Before Apostille
Before obtaining an apostille, some documents require notarization by a licensed notary public to verify their authenticity. Our team provides notary services to ensure compliance with National Notary Association regulations.
Documents That Require Notarization Before Apostille
- Power of attorney documents
- Affidavits and sworn statements
- Business contracts and agreements
- Adoption documents
Types of Documents That Require an Apostille
1. Personal Documents
- Birth Certificates (CDC Vital Records)
- Marriage Certificates (California Department of Public Health)
- Divorce Decrees (U.S. Courts)
- Death Certificates (National Center for Health Statistics)
2. Legal and Immigration Documents
- FBI Background Checks (FBI Identity History Summary Checks)
- State Criminal Background Checks (U.S. Department of Justice)
- Immigration and naturalization records (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services)
3. Business and Corporate Documents
- Articles of Incorporation (California Secretary of State)
- Certificates of Good Standing (U.S. Small Business Administration)
- IRS Tax Records (Internal Revenue Service)
- FDA Certificates for Exports (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining an Apostille and Notarization
Step 1: Obtain a Certified Copy of Your Document
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates must be obtained from the California Department of Public Health.
- Business and legal documents may require notarization before submission.
Step 2: Notarization (If Required)
If required, we provide notary services to ensure your document is properly signed and authenticated.
Step 3: Submit Your Document for Apostille Certification
- State-issued documents must be sent to the California Secretary of State.
- Federal documents (such as FBI background checks) must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State.
Step 4: Verify Apostille Requirements for Your Destination Country
Check the Hague Apostille Convention list to confirm your country’s requirements. Non-member countries require embassy legalization.
Step 5: Receive Your Apostilled Document
Once your document is processed, we ensure a secure and timely delivery using trusted carriers such as FedEx and UPS.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Submitting an Incorrect Document Format
Only certified copies issued by government agencies can be apostilled.
2. Not Notarizing the Document (If Required)
Certain documents, such as affidavits and power of attorney, require notarization before apostille.
3. Applying to the Wrong Apostille Authority
- State documents go through the California Secretary of State.
- Federal documents require processing by the U.S. Department of State.
Why Choose Orange County Apostille?
- Fast and reliable service with same-day processing available.
- Full notarization and apostille package to ensure compliance.
- Secure and tracked document delivery for peace of mind.
For a hassle-free experience, book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today.
Embedded Links for Easy Navigation
- U.S. Department of State – Apostille Services
- FBI Identity History Summary Checks
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Hague Apostille Convention Members
- California Secretary of State – Apostille
- American Translators Association
- IRS Tax Records
- U.S. Small Business Administration
- California Department of Public Health
- National Notary Association
- FedEx International Shipping
- UPS International Shipping
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- Embassy World – Foreign Embassy Contacts
- National Center for Health Statistics
- U.S. Courts
- Department of Transportation
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- Department of Justice
- International Legal Assistance
For fast and secure apostille services, book your appointment today!