Do You Need to Send Important Documents to Colombia? Make Sure You Have an Apostille Seal!
Are you preparing to send an important document to Colombia? Whether it’s for immigration, marriage, business, education, or other legal matters, having your documents properly apostilled is critical to ensure they are legally recognized by Colombian authorities. At Orange County Apostille, we help you get the apostille seal you need—fast, accurate, and hassle-free.
Let our experienced team guide you through the process. Book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today!
What is an Apostille and Why Do You Need One for Colombia?
An apostille is an international certification that authenticates the origin of a public document. It is used between countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, including Colombia and the United States.
Without an apostille, your document may be rejected or require further consular legalization, which is costly and time-consuming. The apostille seal confirms that your document is:
- Authentic
- Legally recognized
- Ready for use in Colombia
Documents Commonly Apostilled for Use in Colombia
1. Birth Certificates
- Required for citizenship, family visas, or inheritance.
- Obtain from CDC Vital Records or your state health department.
2. Marriage Certificates
- Used for spousal visas, name changes, or divorce.
- Request via the California Department of Public Health.
3. FBI Background Checks
- Needed for residency, employment, or legal residency in Colombia.
- Request from the FBI Identity History Summary Checks.
4. Educational Transcripts and Diplomas
- Required for work or study visa processing.
- Must be notarized and authenticated via the U.S. Department of Education or your educational institution.
5. Death Certificates
- Used in inheritance and legal estate claims.
- Obtain through the National Center for Health Statistics.
6. Court Orders (Divorce, Custody, Adoption)
- Must be certified and apostilled for international legal matters.
- Verified by U.S. Courts.
7. Business Documents
- Articles of Incorporation, Certificates of Good Standing, and POAs.
- Issued and notarized through California Secretary of State.
8. IRS and Tax Documents
- Required for financial and banking purposes.
- Retrieved from the Internal Revenue Service.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apostilling Documents for Colombia
Step 1: Gather Your Certified Documents
- Make sure you have original or certified copies of your documents.
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates must be certified by an official registrar.
Step 2: Notarize the Document (If Required)
- Certain documents must be notarized before they can be apostilled.
- Use a registered notary via the National Notary Association.
Step 3: Submit for Apostille Certification
- For California-issued documents, submit to the California Secretary of State – Apostille Unit.
- For federal documents (e.g., FBI background checks), submit to the U.S. Department of State.
Step 4: Certified Translations (If Needed)
- Many Colombian institutions require Spanish translations.
- Use a translator certified by the American Translators Association.
Step 5: Deliver Your Apostilled Document to Colombia
FAQs: Apostilles for Use in Colombia
Does an Apostille Expire?
No, but some Colombian institutions prefer documents issued within the last 3–6 months.
Do I Need a Translation for Colombia?
Yes. Documents in English often need certified Spanish translations.
Can I Apostille a Photocopy?
No. Only certified original documents or properly notarized copies are accepted.
Where Do I Submit Federal Apostilles?
- All federal apostilles must be issued by the U.S. Department of State.
Why Choose Orange County Apostille?
We make the process easy for you:
- Same-day processing available for urgent requests.
- Certified translation and apostille in one convenient place.
- We work with all Colombian document types.
Book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today at: 👉 https://orangecountyapostille.org/
20 Embedded Government & Trusted Links
- U.S. Department of State – Apostille Info
- California Secretary of State – Apostille Unit
- CDC Vital Records
- FBI Background Checks
- U.S. Department of Education
- IRS – Tax Transcripts
- American Translators Association
- National Notary Association
- U.S. Courts
- Colombian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- U.S. Small Business Administration
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- National Center for Health Statistics
- USCIS – Immigration Services
- U.S. Department of Justice
- National Visa Center
- Embassy of Colombia in the U.S.
- FedEx – International Shipping
- UPS – Worldwide Services
- Hague Apostille Convention Members
Conclusion
If you’re sending important documents to Colombia, make sure they’re apostilled and ready for official recognition. At Orange County Apostille, we ensure your documents meet all legal standards, are translated if needed, and are delivered on time.
Don’t leave anything to chance—book your appointment now and let us help you secure your apostille seal quickly and professionally!
