Yes, in most cases, the original document is required for Apostille. Copies or notarized copies may not be accepted. However, it’s always best to check with our team for specific document requirements.
25 Resources
- https://orangecountyapostille.org/apostille-services
- https://orangecountyapostille.org/document-authentication
- https://orangecountyapostille.org/document-preparation
- https://orangecountyapostille.org/certified-translation
- https://orangecountyapostille.org/federal-apostille
- https://orangecountyapostille.org/legalization-for-non-hague-countries
- https://orangecountyapostille.org/embassy-legalization
- https://orangecountyapostille.org/international-document-prep
- https://orangecountyapostille.org/birth-certificate-apostille
- https://orangecountyapostille.org/marriage-certificate-apostille
- https://orangecountyapostille.org/death-certificate-apostille
- https://orangecountyapostille.org/divorce-decree-apostille
- https://orangecountyapostille.org/fbi-background-check-apostille
- https://orangecountyapostille.org/passport-apostille
- https://orangecountyapostille.org/social-security-letter-apostille
- https://orangecountyapostille.org/naturalization-certificate-apostille
- https://orangecountyapostille.org/uscis-apostille-services
- https://orangecountyapostille.org/travel-documents
- httpsyourlocalnotarypublic.com/notary-services
- httpsyourlocalnotarypublic.com/mobile-notary
- httpsyourlocalnotarypublic.com/acknowledgment
- httpsyourlocalnotarypublic.com/jurat
- httpsyourlocalnotarypublic.com/copy-certification
- httpsyourlocalnotarypublic.com/power-of-attorney-notary
- httpsyourlocalnotarypublic.com/apostille-notary-services
25 FAQs — Do You Need Original Documents for Apostille?
1. Do I need to submit the original document for an apostille?
In most cases, yes—originals or certified copies are required.
2. Can I apostille a photocopy?
Generally no, unless it is notarized as a true copy and the state accepts it.
3. Can notarized copies be apostilled?
Yes—many documents can be apostilled using a notarized true copy.
4. What documents must be original, not copies?
Vital records (birth, marriage, death), court-certified documents, and government-issued certificates.
5. What is a certified copy?
A government-issued replica bearing an official seal or signature.
6. Can electronic vital records be apostilled?
Only if the state allows apostilles on electronically certified records.
7. Can a school diploma be apostilled without the original?
Yes, if notarized by the registrar as a true copy.
8. Can I apostille a driver’s license?
Yes, but only by notarizing a true copy—the physical card cannot be apostilled.
9. Can FBI background checks be apostilled without printing them?
They must be printed; digital-only versions cannot be apostilled.
10. Can a passport be apostilled?
Not the passport itself—only a notarized copy can be apostilled.
11. Are marriage certificates accepted as copies?
No—must be official certified copies from the issuing authority.
12. Do court documents need to be original?
They must be certified by the court clerk.
13. Can immigration documents be apostilled?
Some require certified copies; others require notarized copies.
14. What happens if my document is outdated?
Many countries require recent certified records (issued within the last 6–12 months).
15. Can medical records be apostilled?
Yes—only when notarized with patient authorization.
16. Can employment letters be apostilled without the original?
Yes—once notarized.
17. Can bank statements be apostilled?
Yes—if notarized as true copies.
18. Can tax returns be apostilled?
IRS-issued certified transcripts must be used—not personal copies.
19. Can digital notarizations be apostilled?
Yes—if the state recognizes remote online notarization (RON).
20. Do apostille offices accept damaged documents?
No—documents must be clean, intact, and legible.
21. Why can’t I use scanned copies for apostilles?
They cannot verify authenticity without notarization or certification.
22. Are foreign documents eligible for apostille in the U.S.?
No—documents must be apostilled in the country where they originated.
23. What if I lost the original document?
Request a new certified copy from the issuing agency.
24. Can apostilles be attached to laminated documents?
Laminated documents may be rejected—request a new certified copy instead.
25. Can Orange County Apostille help me determine if the original is required?
Yes—our team reviews each document and confirms exact requirements before processing.