We Can Help Get Your Apostille – Call Us Today!
When it comes to international travel, immigration, foreign employment, education, marriage abroad, or business transactions, the need for an apostille is more common than you might think. At Orange County Apostille, we specialize in providing accurate and efficient apostille services for a wide range of personal and professional documents.
Each situation is unique, and we understand that the process can be confusing. That’s why we encourage you to call us now to speak with one of our experienced agents. We’re here to answer your questions and provide guidance tailored to your specific case.
Book your appointment with Orange County Apostille and get started today!
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an internationally recognized certification that verifies the authenticity of a public document. It is issued under the terms of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961, which allows a document to be accepted in another country without further legalization.
When Is an Apostille Required?
You may need an apostille if you are:
- Applying for dual citizenship (USCIS)
- Getting married abroad
- Registering a birth or death internationally (CDC Vital Records)
- Adopting a child from another country (State Dept Adoption Info)
- Starting a job overseas (Department of Labor)
- Studying in a foreign country (Department of Education)
- Starting a business internationally (SBA)
Documents We Frequently Apostille
Personal Documents
- Birth Certificates – Must be certified by the issuing state’s vital records office. (California Department of Public Health)
- Marriage Certificates
- Death Certificates
- Divorce Decrees – Must be certified by the issuing court. (California Courts)
- FBI Background Checks – Obtained through the FBI’s Criminal Justice Information Services.
Academic Documents
- High School Diplomas
- College Transcripts – Must be notarized and sealed by the registrar. (National Student Clearinghouse)
Legal & Business Documents
- Power of Attorney – Must be notarized before apostille. (American Bar Association)
- Corporate Articles of Incorporation – Obtained from the Secretary of State. (California Secretary of State)
- Business Agreements & Contracts
State vs. Federal Apostilles: What’s the Difference?
- State Apostilles are issued for documents like birth certificates, school records, and notarial acts and are authenticated by your state’s Secretary of State.
- Federal Apostilles are issued by the U.S. Department of State and are typically used for FBI background checks or other federally issued documents.
Each type requires different submission procedures. Call us today and we’ll help you determine which one you need.
Steps to Get Your Apostille
Step 1: Identify the Document You Need Apostilled
Is it a birth certificate, diploma, or legal contract? Our team can help you determine if your document qualifies and which agency must certify it.
Step 2: Verify the Document Is Certified or Notarized
Only original or certified copies of public documents or notarized personal documents can be apostilled. We’ll let you know what you need.
Step 3: Submit Your Documents
Once we verify everything is in order, we’ll submit your documents to the California Secretary of State or U.S. Department of State, depending on the document type.
Step 4: Receive Your Apostilled Documents
Your apostilled documents will be returned securely to you, ready for international use.
Why Choose Orange County Apostille?
- Fast Turnaround – We offer same-day and next-day apostille service for most documents.
- Professional Support – Our agents walk you through each step.
- Nationwide Service – We can handle documents issued in any U.S. state.
- Secure Handling – All documents are tracked via FedEx or UPS.
- Government Expertise – We work daily with federal and state offices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting photocopies instead of certified originals
- Sending documents to the wrong agency
- Using a notary not recognized by the state
- Forgetting to translate documents when required (We can recommend certified translators through the American Translators Association)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does the apostille process take?
- Standard processing takes 5–10 business days.
- Expedited services can complete in as little as 24 hours.
How do I know if my document needs a state or federal apostille?
Call us! We’ll help you determine the correct process based on your document and the destination country.
What countries accept apostilles?
Apostilles are accepted in over 120 Hague Convention member countries.
Call Us Now – Every Case Is Unique!
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to apostilles. Each document and destination country is different, so it’s important to speak with a professional.
Our team at Orange County Apostille is here to help. We’ve processed thousands of apostilles for clients across the U.S. and abroad. We understand the urgency, we know the rules, and we offer unmatched expertise.
Book your appointment today or give us a call. Let’s get your apostille done right!
