Fast and Reliable State-Level Apostille Services for All U.S. State-Issued Documents
When it comes to international documentation, accuracy, speed, and compliance are critical. At Orange County Apostille, we specialize in providing fast, reliable, and professional state-level apostille services for documents issued by any U.S. state. Whether you need to authenticate a birth certificate, a notarized affidavit, a marriage license, or a power of attorney, we ensure your paperwork meets all the standards required for international recognition under the Hague Apostille Convention.
In today’s global environment, having your documents properly authenticated is often a legal necessity—not a luxury. If you’re sending documents abroad for work, school, marriage, adoption, or legal proceedings, our team is here to simplify the process and take care of all the details for you.
What Is a State-Level Apostille?
A state-level apostille is a certificate issued by the Secretary of State that authenticates the signature and seal of a public official on a document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. This convention streamlines the process of legalizing documents for international use and eliminates the need for embassy or consular legalization in over 100 participating countries.
The apostille verifies:
• The authenticity of the signature
• The capacity in which the person signed the document
• The identity of the seal or stamp
For example, if you’re submitting a notarized power of attorney for use in Italy or a birth certificate for dual citizenship in Mexico, a state-level apostille confirms that the document is legitimate and accepted abroad.
Common Documents We Apostille
We offer apostille services for all documents issued in any U.S. state. Here are the most frequently requested:
1. Birth Certificates
Needed for dual citizenship, immigration, international adoptions, and school enrollment abroad. Must be a certified copy issued by the Vital Records Office.
Learn more: California Department of Public Health – Vital Records
2. Marriage Certificates
Often required for spousal visa applications, proof of legal union, and inheritance claims. Only certified copies are eligible for apostille.
3. Divorce Decrees
Essential for remarriage overseas or resolving international legal matters. These must be certified by the court clerk before being submitted for apostille.
4. Powers of Attorney
Used for property sales, inheritance cases, and representation abroad. Must be notarized and include a valid notary acknowledgment or jurat.
5. Notarized Affidavits
Ideal for sworn statements, declarations of intent, and legal testimony. Requires a valid notarization from a commissioned U.S. notary public.
6. Diplomas and Academic Records
Required for foreign university admissions, employment, or licensing. School registrar signatures must be notarized.
7. Adoption Documents
Includes home studies, custody orders, and parental consents—often part of international adoption procedures.
8. Business Documents
Articles of incorporation, bylaws, and certificates of good standing. Crucial for international business expansion or foreign registration.
9. Background Checks
State-level criminal history records for work, visas, or study abroad. Check with the issuing state’s Department of Justice.
Why Choose Orange County Apostille?
Our clients choose us for one simple reason—we make the complex process of document authentication as simple, secure, and fast as possible. Here’s what sets us apart:
✅ Fast Turnaround
We process most state-level apostilles within 1 to 7 business days, depending on the issuing state. Expedited options are available.
✅ We Handle All 50 States
No matter where your document was issued—California, Texas, New York, Florida, or beyond—we process apostilles nationwide.
✅ Full Service
We handle everything from document review, notarization (if needed), courier submission to the Secretary of State, and final delivery.
✅ Compliant with International Standards
We guarantee your documents are accepted in any Hague Apostille Convention member country.
✅ Personal Support
Our team offers live support by phone and email to answer your questions and keep you updated every step of the way.
How the Apostille Process Works
Our streamlined process includes everything you need:
Step 1: Document Review
You send us your documents for review. We confirm whether the document is eligible for apostille, or if it needs notarization or certification first.
Step 2: Notarization or Certification (if needed)
We can assist with notarizing your document or obtaining certified copies from state agencies.
Step 3: Apostille Submission
We submit your document to the appropriate Secretary of State, based on the document’s origin. We have working relationships with apostille offices across the country.
Step 4: Delivery
Once complete, we send the apostilled document back to you by mail, courier, or local pickup.
Apostille vs. Notarization: What’s the Difference?
Many clients confuse notarization and apostilles. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Feature | Notarization | Apostille |
---|---|---|
Purpose | Verifies identity and signature | Authenticates notarization or public official |
Issued By | Notary Public | Secretary of State |
Use | Domestic legal use | International legal use |
Required For | Contracts, affidavits | International visas, marriage abroad |
In many cases, notarization is a prerequisite before you can obtain an apostille. We ensure both steps are handled correctly.
Countries That Accept Apostilles
The Hague Apostille Convention includes over 100 countries. Some of the most common destinations include:
• Mexico
• Italy
• Spain
• France
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Germany
• Japan
• South Korea
• India
• Philippines
• Australia
• United Kingdom
View the full list here: Hague Apostille Member Countries
Real-Life Examples
1. Marriage in Spain
A couple from Orange County planned to get married in Barcelona. Spain required apostilled birth certificates and a Certificate of No Impediment. We handled the apostille for their California birth records within 72 hours, ensuring they could marry abroad without delay.
2. Dual Citizenship in Mexico
A local resident applying for Mexican dual citizenship needed his U.S. birth certificate apostilled. We secured a certified copy and processed the apostille within 5 business days.
3. Inheritance Case in Italy
An Italian-American client needed a notarized Power of Attorney to authorize an attorney in Rome to accept an inheritance. We notarized the POA and submitted it to the California Secretary of State for apostille the same day.
Apostille Requirements by Document Type
Here’s a helpful chart summarizing what’s needed:
Document Type | Needs Notarization? | Must Be Certified? | Accepted Format |
---|---|---|---|
Birth Certificate | No | Yes | Certified copy |
Marriage License | No | Yes | Certified copy |
Divorce Decree | No | Yes | Court-certified copy |
Power of Attorney | Yes | No | Original notarized |
Affidavit | Yes | No | Original notarized |
Diploma | Sometimes | Yes | Registrar-notarized copy |
Adoption Record | Sometimes | Yes | Certified or notarized |
Business Document | Sometimes | Yes | Original or notarized |
Additional Services We Offer
• Certified Translation Services: We translate vital records and legal documents into over 90 languages. Each translation comes with a Certificate of Accuracy.
Learn more: USCIS Certified Translation Requirements
• Mobile Notary: Can’t make it to us? We’ll come to your home or office.
• Federal Apostille Services: Need documents authenticated by the U.S. Department of State? We’ve got you covered.
• Courier Service: Secure hand delivery to the Secretary of State and back.
Our Service Areas
We serve all of Orange County and beyond, including:
• Irvine
• Newport Beach
• Santa Ana
• Anaheim
• San Juan Capistrano
• Mission Viejo
• Fullerton
• Huntington Beach
We also serve clients by mail from anywhere in the U.S. or abroad.
When You Need an Apostille
Common situations that require apostille services:
• Marriage in a foreign country
• Applying for dual citizenship
• Enrolling in a foreign university
• Adopting a child from overseas
• Conducting business abroad
• Selling property in another country
• Representing yourself or others in foreign legal matters
Ready to Get Started?
Getting your document apostilled doesn’t have to be stressful. Let our experienced team take care of it for you.
✅ Call us to get a free consultation
✅ We’ll let you know exactly what we need
✅ You send your document or we help you get it
✅ We handle the rest!
Contact Us Today
Orange County Apostille
📍 Multiple Locations in Orange County
🌐 https://orangecountyapostille.org/
📦 Mail-in service available nationwide
Conclusion
At Orange County Apostille, we understand how important your documents are. Whether you’re getting married in another country, proving your identity for immigration, or managing legal affairs abroad, you can count on us for fast and accurate apostille services. We provide peace of mind and legal compliance for all your document authentication needs.
Trust us to help you get it done—on time and without stress.