Get Your Apostille and Notary Seal with Orange County Apostille
When it comes to authenticating documents for international use or completing important domestic transactions, having both an apostille and a notary seal is often essential. At Orange County Apostille, we offer fast, accurate, and professional services to help you get your documents properly notarized and apostilled in one place.
For convenient and expert assistance, book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certification that authenticates the origin of a public document, such as a birth certificate, diploma, or power of attorney. It is used when documents are sent from one country to another and need to be legally recognized abroad.
This process is governed by the Hague Apostille Convention. If both countries are members of the convention, an apostille is sufficient for international recognition without additional consular legalization.
What is a Notary Seal?
A notary seal is an official stamp or embossed seal that confirms a document has been notarized. Notarization is a verification process that ensures:
- The signer is who they say they are
- The signature is genuine
- The signer understands the document and signs it willingly
Notarization is commonly required for legal documents, contracts, affidavits, and real estate paperwork.
How Orange County Apostille Can Help You
Here at Orange County Apostille, we specialize in helping individuals and businesses with:
- Notarizing documents locally
- Obtaining apostilles from the California Secretary of State
- Securing federal apostilles from the U.S. Department of State
We take care of the entire process from document preparation to delivery, ensuring your paperwork is legally recognized both domestically and internationally.
Documents That Commonly Require a Notary Seal and Apostille
- Birth certificates (CDC Vital Records)
- Marriage certificates (California Department of Public Health)
- Diplomas and academic transcripts (U.S. Department of Education)
- Power of attorney documents (American Bar Association)
- Real estate deeds
- Affidavits
- Business licenses (California Secretary of State)
- FBI background checks (FBI Identity History Summary)
- Immigration-related paperwork (USCIS)
- IRS documents (IRS)
Step-by-Step: Get Your Apostille and Notary Seal
Step 1: Identify the Type of Document
The type of document determines the necessary authentication steps. Some documents will need to be notarized before they can be apostilled.
Step 2: Notarization
Bring your document to Orange County Apostille, where a licensed California Notary Public will:
- Verify your identity
- Witness your signature
- Apply a notary seal to confirm notarization
Check California’s notary rules via the Secretary of State Notary Division.
Step 3: Submit the Document for Apostille
Once notarized (if applicable), your document can be submitted to the California Secretary of State Apostille Unit.
- Standard processing time: 5-10 business days
- Expedited services: Available through Orange County Apostille (24-hour options)
For state-level apostilles, visit the California Secretary of State Apostille Unit.
Step 4: Federal Apostille (If Required)
If your document is issued by a federal agency (e.g., FBI background check), it must be authenticated by the U.S. Department of State.
Federal apostille services usually take 2-3 weeks, but expedited processing is available through Orange County Apostille.
Step 5: Receive Your Document
Once complete, your apostilled and notarized document will be returned to you via secure shipping. We offer options including FedEx, UPS, and DHL.
Why Choose Orange County Apostille?
- Full-service solutions: Notarization, apostille, translation, and document delivery
- Fast turnaround times: Same-day and 24-hour service options
- Expert support: We handle state and federal-level documentation
- Secure handling: All documents processed with care and tracked
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Get Both a Notary and Apostille in One Visit?
Yes! At Orange County Apostille, we offer on-site notarization and will handle the apostille process for you.
How Do I Know If My Document Needs Notarization Before Apostille?
Documents like contracts, affidavits, and power of attorney require notarization first. Vital records and court-issued documents may already be eligible for apostille without notarization.
How Long Does the Apostille Process Take?
- State documents: 5–10 business days (expedited available)
- Federal documents: 2–3 weeks (expedited available)
What If My Destination Country Isn’t in the Hague Convention?
Documents going to non-Hague Convention countries may require embassy or consular legalization. Learn more from the U.S. Department of State Authentication Office.
Do Apostilles Expire?
Apostilles do not expire, but destination countries may require documents issued within the last 3-6 months.
Conclusion
Whether you’re preparing documents for international use or simply need a notarization, Orange County Apostille makes the process fast and stress-free. We handle both apostilles and notary seals, ensuring your paperwork is legally valid wherever it needs to go.
For professional service and quick turnaround, book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today!
