Yes, we can Apostille documents in languages other than English. However, in some cases, a certified translation of the document into the official language of the receiving country may also be required. We can assist you with this process as well.

Can You Apostille Documents That Are Not in English? | Orange County Apostille Explains the Process

In today’s globalized world, international communication often involves documents written in multiple languages. Whether you’re dealing with a birth certificate from Mexico, a marriage record from Spain, a degree from France, or a power of attorney from China, you might wonder:
“Can I apostille documents that are not in English?”

The short answer is yes, you can apostille foreign-language documents — but there are a few important conditions and steps involved.

This detailed guide by Orange County Apostille explains how the apostille process works for documents written in other languages, when translations are required, and how to ensure your paperwork is accepted by the destination country.

Understanding the Apostille for Non-English Documents

An apostille is a special certification attached to a document that verifies the authenticity of the signature and seal of the public official who issued or notarized it. Apostilles are recognized by all member countries of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961, allowing documents to be legally valid across borders without further embassy or consulate legalization.

However, the language of the document can impact how the apostille is processed and accepted. While the apostille itself is standardized, the document’s language must still meet the receiving country’s legal requirements.

Can a Non-English Document Be Apostilled?

Yes. The language of the document does not affect whether an apostille can be issued. What matters is:

The document was issued or notarized in the United States.
The issuing or notarizing official’s signature is verifiable by the Secretary of State or U.S. Department of State.
The document meets the legal format and authentication requirements of the issuing jurisdiction.

For example, you can apostille documents in:

Spanish (Mexico, Spain, Argentina)
French (France, Canada, Belgium)
Portuguese (Brazil, Portugal)
Chinese, Japanese, Korean
German, Russian, Italian, Arabic, and more.

The U.S. authority issuing the apostille does not need to understand the document’s content — only to verify the authenticity of the signature and seal.

Translation Requirements for Apostille Documents

While you can apostille documents in any language, translation requirements often come into play when the destination country needs to understand the contents.

Here’s how translations are typically handled:

1. Apostilling the Original Foreign-Language Document

If the document is notarized or issued in the U.S., it can be apostilled as is, even if it’s not in English.

Example: A Spanish-language affidavit notarized by a California notary can be apostilled by the California Secretary of State without translation.

2. Translating Before Apostille (Preferred for Foreign Use)

Some countries require documents to be translated before they are accepted, particularly if the apostille certificate itself needs to match a translated version. In such cases:

A certified translation should be prepared by a professional translator.
The translator’s certificate of accuracy may need to be notarized.
The notarized translation can then receive its own apostille.

3. Translating After Apostille (For Destination Requirements)

Other times, the receiving country requests a translated copy of the apostilled document. In these cases, translation happens after the apostille is attached.

This is common when submitting to foreign ministries or universities abroad.

Common Scenarios for Apostilling Non-English Documents

1. Dual Citizenship and Immigration

When applying for dual citizenship, you might need to apostille documents from both the U.S. and another country. Apostilling translated or foreign-language records ensures they are valid internationally.

2. Marriage Abroad

If you’re getting married in a country where English isn’t the official language, you may need to apostille your birth certificate, single status affidavit, or divorce decree in English or translated form.

3. Education and Employment Overseas

Foreign universities and employers often require apostilled diplomas, transcripts, or recommendation letters, sometimes in translated form depending on their regulations.

4. Business and Corporate Documents

Companies operating across borders may need to apostille contracts, articles of incorporation, or powers of attorney that are bilingual or multilingual.

5. Legal and Court Documents

Foreign-language court orders, affidavits, or agreements notarized in the U.S. can be apostilled once their authenticity is confirmed.

How to Apostille a Non-English Document (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Identify the Document’s Origin

Confirm whether your document was issued by a U.S. agency, court, or notary. If it was issued abroad, it must go through that country’s apostille or legalization process.

Step 2: Verify Eligibility for Apostille

The document must:

Bear a recognized official signature or seal.
Be notarized by a licensed U.S. Notary Public, if applicable.
Be an original or certified copy from an official source.

Step 3: Consider Translation Needs

If the document is in a foreign language, ask the receiving institution whether a translation is required.

For international use, a certified translation in the destination language is often necessary.
The translation can then be notarized and apostilled as a separate document.

Step 4: Submit to the Secretary of State or U.S. Department of State

Depending on the document’s jurisdiction:

State-Level Apostille: Documents issued or notarized in California go to the California Secretary of State.
Federal-Level Apostille: Documents from federal agencies (like FBI background checks) go to the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

Step 5: Use the Apostilled Document Abroad

Once completed, your apostilled document is legally valid in all Hague Apostille Convention countries, regardless of the original language.

Tips for Apostilling Foreign-Language Documents

Always use certified translations prepared by professional translators.
If both the document and translation require apostilles, process them separately.
Verify whether the receiving country requires translations before or after apostille.
Keep copies of all notarized and apostilled documents for your records.
When in doubt, contact the destination country’s embassy or consulate for document acceptance guidelines.

Countries That Commonly Require Translated Apostilles

Countries where English is not the primary language often require apostilled documents to be translated into their official language. Examples include:

Spain, France, Portugal, Italy, Germany, Japan, China, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, South Korea, UAE, and Greece.

Each has unique translation and legalization requirements, so professional assistance helps ensure compliance.

Common Documents Apostilled in Other Languages

Category	Examples
Personal Documents	Birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, adoption papers
Educational Documents	Diplomas, transcripts, certificates, student records
Corporate Documents	Articles of incorporation, business contracts, powers of attorney
Legal Documents	Court judgments, affidavits, background checks, employment letters
Medical and Immigration Documents	Vaccination records, medical reports, residency forms

Why Choose Orange County Apostille

Specialized in Multilingual Apostille Services: Experience handling foreign-language and bilingual documents.
Comprehensive Review Process: Every document is checked for eligibility before submission.
Trusted Expertise: Familiarity with global document standards for both Hague and non-Hague countries.
Translation Support: Partnerships with certified translators ensure accuracy and compliance.

At Orange County Apostille, we help streamline your apostille process so you can focus on your international goals — whether that’s studying abroad, managing property overseas, or obtaining citizenship.

Estimated Timeframe

The timeframe depends on:

Document type (state or federal)
Jurisdiction (California or Washington, D.C.)
Translation needs
Typically, apostilles are completed within 1–3 weeks, though timelines may vary by state and destination.

25 Resources for Apostille

25 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can non-English documents be apostilled?
Yes. Apostilles verify the signature and authority on the document, not the language or content.

2. Does the document need to be translated into English first?
Not always. The Secretary of State only needs to verify the signature, not the document’s content.

3. Who can translate documents for apostille?
Certified translators or translation agencies familiar with legal formatting standards.

4. Should the translation be notarized?
Yes, if the translation itself will be apostilled or presented as an official record.

5. Can I apostille both the original document and the translation?
Yes, they can be apostilled separately to ensure acceptance in the destination country.

6. Do apostilles need to be translated too?
In some countries, the apostille certificate may also need to be translated.

7. What is a certified translation?
A translation accompanied by a translator’s signed statement of accuracy, often notarized.

8. Does the California Secretary of State accept non-English documents?
Yes, as long as the notary’s signature or public seal is verifiable.

9. How do I know if my document is eligible?
It must be issued, notarized, or certified by a recognized U.S. authority.

10. Can you apostille foreign-issued documents in the U.S.?
No. Only documents issued in the U.S. can be apostilled here.

11. How do I apostille a Spanish birth certificate?
Request a certified copy from the issuing U.S. authority, or if from abroad, use that country’s apostille office.

12. Can business documents in another language be apostilled?
Yes, if they’re notarized or issued by a U.S.-registered entity.

13. Do embassies accept foreign-language apostilles?
Yes, as long as translations meet the embassy’s specific requirements.

14. Can I apostille bilingual documents?
Yes, bilingual (dual-language) documents are accepted if properly notarized or issued.

15. Is a translator’s signature required for apostille?
Only if the translation itself is being apostilled.

16. Can you apostille a notarized translation?
Yes, the notary’s signature verifying the translation can be apostilled.

17. Are apostilles recognized internationally?
Yes, by all members of The Hague Apostille Convention of 1961.

18. Do non-Hague countries accept apostilles?
No. They require embassy or consular legalization instead.

19. Can apostilles be issued electronically?
Yes, some U.S. states now offer e-apostilles (digital apostilles).

20. How long does the apostille process take?
Usually 1–3 weeks depending on document type and state workload.

21. What happens if my document is rejected abroad?
Apostille or translation errors may cause rejection — always verify requirements first.

22. Can notarized copies of foreign documents be apostilled?
Yes, if notarized by a U.S. notary public.

23. Do apostilles expire?
No, but the document itself might need reissuance if outdated.

24. Why is translation accuracy important?
Incorrect or incomplete translations can lead to rejection by foreign authorities.

25. Why choose Orange County Apostille for multilingual apostilles?
We specialize in apostilling non-English and translated documents for international acceptance under Hague Convention standards.