Apostille and Notary Services: Essential Seals for International Document Use
When preparing documents for international use, two critical steps often stand between you and success: notarization and apostille certification. These seals are essential to ensure your documents are accepted and legally recognized in foreign countries. At Orange County Apostille, we provide both services in one streamlined process—making international document preparation fast, secure, and hassle-free.
Need help right away? Book your appointment online anytime and let us take care of the rest!
Understanding Notary Services
A notary public is a state-authorized official who verifies the identity of signers and ensures documents are signed voluntarily and without coercion. Notarization helps deter fraud and is often the first step before a document can be apostilled.
Commonly Notarized Documents
- Power of Attorney
- Affidavits and declarations
- Parental consent for travel
- Business agreements
- Real estate documents
- Passport copies
- Letters of invitation
👉 Learn more from the National Notary Association.
Understanding Apostille Certification
An apostille is a specialized certificate attached to your document by a government authority—such as the California Secretary of State—verifying its authenticity for international use in Hague Apostille Convention countries.
Why You Need an Apostille
If you’re using U.S. documents abroad for reasons like:
- Immigration
- Marriage
- Adoption
- Employment
- Dual citizenship
- Education
…you’ll likely need an apostille.
👉 Check the full list of Hague Apostille Convention members.
When You Need Both: Notary + Apostille
Many documents require notarization first, followed by an apostille:
- Affidavits must be notarized and then apostilled.
- Power of Attorney forms must be signed before a notary and then certified for use abroad.
- Academic transcripts or diplomas may require notarization by the registrar before apostille.
In these cases, both seals are necessary: the notary seal authenticates the signature, and the apostille seal authenticates the notary’s credentials.
What Countries Accept Apostilles?
Apostilles are accepted in over 120 countries, including:
- Mexico
- Italy
- France
- Germany
- India
- Japan
- Australia
- United Kingdom
- Brazil
- Spain
👉 Full list of member nations: HCCH Members
What If Your Destination Country Is Not a Hague Member?
For non-Hague countries such as:
- China (mainland)
- United Arab Emirates
- Egypt
- Canada
Your document will require embassy or consular legalization instead.
👉 Learn about legalization from the U.S. Department of State and relevant foreign embassies.
Our Services at Orange County Apostille
At Orange County Apostille, we provide:
- Mobile Notary Services: We come to your home, office, or location.
- In-office Notary: Visit us at our convenient location.
- Same-Day Apostille Processing (for California documents).
- Federal Apostille Processing (e.g., FBI background checks through the U.S. Department of State).
- Translations by certified translators (American Translators Association).
- Embassy Legalization Support for non-Hague countries.
Documents We Handle
We notarize and apostille:
- Birth Certificates (CDC Vital Records)
- Marriage Certificates (California Department of Public Health)
- Death Certificates
- Academic Diplomas and Transcripts (U.S. Department of Education)
- Adoption Papers
- Business Documents
- Power of Attorney
- Affidavits
- Criminal Background Checks (FBI)
Why Choose Us?
- Fast Turnaround – Same-day or 24-hour service available
- Local Expertise – We know California and federal apostille procedures
- Reliable & Secure – Trackable delivery via FedEx or UPS
- Outstanding Support – Step-by-step help from document prep to delivery
FAQs
How long does the apostille process take?
- California: 5–10 business days (or 24 hours with expedited service)
- Federal: 2–3 weeks (or faster with expedited service)
Can I notarize and apostille the same day?
Yes! We offer same-day notary and apostille services in many cases.
Can I mail in my documents?
Yes. We accept documents by mail for those outside the local area.
Conclusion
If you’re sending documents abroad, you’ll likely need notarization and apostille certification. Both steps are crucial to ensuring your papers are legally recognized in another country. At Orange County Apostille, we make the process seamless—saving you time, stress, and unnecessary back-and-forth with government offices.
Book your appointment online anytime and let us take care of the rest!
