Do You Need to Send an Important Document to Mexico? Make Sure It Has an Apostille Seal!
If you’re sending legal, personal, academic, or business documents to Mexico, it’s crucial to ensure they are properly authenticated with an apostille seal. At Orange County Apostille, we specialize in helping individuals and businesses in Orange County get their documents legally recognized in Mexico—a member of the Hague Apostille Convention.
Let us take the stress out of international document preparation. Book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today!
What Is an Apostille and Why Do You Need It for Mexico?
An apostille is an official certificate issued by a designated authority, such as the California Secretary of State or the U.S. Department of State, that authenticates the origin of a public document.
Because both the United States and Mexico are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, documents exchanged between the two countries must be apostilled for legal use without further embassy legalization.
Common Documents Sent to Mexico That Require an Apostille
1. Birth Certificates
Used for dual citizenship, residency, and school enrollment.
2. Marriage Certificates
Required for spousal visas, residency, or legal name changes.
3. Death Certificates
Often used for inheritance and legal representation in Mexico.
4. FBI Background Checks
Essential for visa applications and employment verification.
5. Educational Documents
Diplomas and transcripts used for student visas or degree recognition.
6. Power of Attorney Documents
Used to grant legal rights for real estate, court cases, or business dealings.
7. Legal and Court Documents
Custody orders, divorce decrees, and court judgments.
8. IRS Documents and Tax Forms
Requested by financial institutions and government agencies.
9. Business Documents
Articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing, and contracts.
10. Notarized Affidavits and Letters
For various legal purposes including property transfers.
How to Get Your Documents Apostilled for Use in Mexico
Step 1: Obtain a Certified Copy
Start by getting an official, certified copy of your document.
- Vital records: CDC Where to Write for Vital Records
- Educational records: Request notarized copies from your school.
Step 2: Notarization (If Needed)
Some documents require notarization before apostille processing.
- Use a trusted notary from the National Notary Association
Step 3: Submit for Apostille Certification
- State-issued documents: Submit to the California Secretary of State Apostille Unit
- Federal documents: Submit to the U.S. Department of State Office of Authentications
Step 4: Translation (If Required)
Many Mexican authorities require documents to be translated into Spanish.
- Use certified translators from the American Translators Association
Step 5: Delivery
Once apostilled, your documents can be shipped securely to Mexico using:
Do Apostilles Expire for Use in Mexico?
Apostilles do not technically expire, but some Mexican agencies may request that documents be issued or apostilled within the past 3 to 6 months.
For best results:
- Contact the Embassy of Mexico in the U.S.
- Or the Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Affairs
Why Choose Orange County Apostille?
- We offer same-day service for local clients.
- Our team ensures all documents are legally compliant with Mexican regulations.
- We provide certified translations, notarizations, and international shipping.
Get the help you need today. Book your appointment here.
Helpful Embedded Links (20 Total)
- U.S. Department of State – Apostille Info
- FBI Identity History Summary Checks
- California Secretary of State – Apostille
- CDC – Where to Write for Vital Records
- National Center for Health Statistics
- U.S. Courts
- U.S. Department of Education
- U.S. Small Business Administration
- American Translators Association
- National Notary Association
- IRS Official Website
- American Bar Association
- Mexican Secretariat of Foreign Affairs
- Embassy of Mexico in the U.S.
- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
- Hague Apostille Convention Members
- FedEx International
- UPS International
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- Internal Revenue Service – Tax Records
Conclusion
If you’re sending documents to Mexico, don’t risk delays or rejections due to missing apostilles. Let Orange County Apostille help you every step of the way—from notarization and certified translation to apostille authentication and international delivery.
Book your appointment with Orange County Apostille and get peace of mind knowing your documents are prepared for international use.