First Time Getting an Apostille or Notary Seal? Don’t Worry—We Can Help!
If you’re seeking your first apostille seal or notary seal, the process might seem complicated—but it doesn’t have to be. At Orange County Apostille, we help individuals and businesses successfully navigate these procedures every day. Whether you’re handling immigration paperwork, international business contracts, or personal documents for use abroad, our team is here to support you from start to finish.
Book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today for personalized help getting your apostille or notary seal quickly and correctly.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document for international use under the Hague Apostille Convention. It is accepted by over 120 countries worldwide and is used for documents like:
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Diplomas and transcripts
- Background checks
- Power of attorney documents
👉 View all member countries of the Hague Apostille Convention
What is a Notary Seal?
A notary seal or notarization is used to verify the identity of a person signing a document and to witness the signature. It is typically the first step before a document can be apostilled.
To become a notary or get your documents notarized: 👉 Visit the National Notary Association
Do You Need Both a Notary and Apostille?
Yes—often you do. Here’s how the process works:
- Notarize your document using a licensed notary public.
- Submit the notarized document for apostille certification through the appropriate state or federal agency.
For example:
- A power of attorney must first be notarized, then apostilled.
- An affidavit or consent letter needs the same.
👉 California Secretary of State Notary and Apostille Information
Types of Documents That Often Require Both Seals
- Legal affidavits
- International adoptions
- Real estate transactions abroad
- Dual citizenship applications
- Student visas and educational credentials
👉 FBI Background Checks for Apostille
How We Help First-Timers at Orange County Apostille
We provide:
- Document review to ensure accuracy
- Mobile notary services if you can’t come to us
- State and federal apostille processing
- Translation services if needed for international countries
👉 U.S. Department of State Authentication Office
Steps to Get Started
Step 1: Identify Your Document Type
Different agencies issue different documents:
- Birth/marriage certificates: California Department of Public Health
- Court documents: California Courts
- Federal documents: U.S. Department of State
Step 2: Get It Notarized (If Required)
Documents not issued by the government typically need notarization first. Use a certified notary.
👉 Find a notary public near you
Step 3: Submit for Apostille
Once notarized, we submit your document to the correct authority:
- California documents: California Secretary of State
- Federal documents: U.S. Department of State
Federal vs. State Apostilles
Understanding the difference:
- State-issued documents (e.g., birth, marriage, school transcripts): go to your state’s Secretary of State.
- Federal documents (e.g., FBI background checks, immigration files): require processing by the U.S. Department of State.
👉 CDC Vital Records for Certified Copies
Common Mistakes to Avoid (Especially for First-Timers)
- Submitting photocopies instead of certified originals
- Skipping notarization when it’s required
- Choosing the wrong apostille authority (state vs. federal)
- Failing to check the requirements of the receiving country
👉 Embassy World: Check foreign country requirements
How Long Does It Take?
- Standard State Apostille: 5–10 business days
- Federal Apostille (e.g., FBI check): 2–3 weeks
- Expedited services: Available within 24–48 hours through Orange County Apostille
👉 USPS Track & Confirm for secure return delivery
Need Your Apostille or Notary Today?
Orange County Apostille offers:
- Same-day mobile notary appointments
- 24-hour expedited apostille services
- Document tracking and secure delivery
For stress-free document preparation, book your appointment now.
FAQs for First-Time Apostille and Notary Clients
Do I need an apostille or notary first?
Usually, you need to notarize the document first, then apostille it.
What countries accept apostilles?
All Hague Convention countries do. For others, embassy legalization may be needed.
👉 Check the list of Hague Convention members
Do apostilles expire?
No, but the country receiving them might have timeline requirements. Check with their embassy.
Conclusion
If this is your first time needing an apostille or a notary seal, don’t stress—we’re here to help. At Orange County Apostille, we guide you through the process from notarization to apostille submission. Our knowledgeable staff ensures everything is done right the first time.
Book your appointment with Orange County Apostille and let us help you get both your notary and apostille seals—quickly, affordably, and without the headache.
