Your Complete Guide to Getting an Apostille Through Orange County Apostille
In today’s globally connected world, properly authenticating your documents for international use is more important than ever. Whether you’re applying for dual citizenship, studying abroad, conducting international business, or getting married overseas, you’ll likely need an apostille to ensure your documents are legally recognized in another country. At Orange County Apostille, we make this process fast, easy, and stress-free.
Ready to get started? Book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that verifies the authenticity of a public document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. It replaces the need for embassy or consulate legalization.
This international treaty simplifies cross-border document use for:
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Educational diplomas and transcripts
- FBI background checks
- Business contracts and corporate filings
- Power of attorney and court orders
Step-by-Step Guide to Apostilling Your Documents with Orange County Apostille
Step 1: Determine the Type of Document
Different documents require different processing methods. We handle both state and federal documents.
State Documents (California-Issued)
Handled by the California Secretary of State, including:
- Vital records: birth, marriage, death certificates (California Department of Public Health)
- Educational transcripts
- Power of attorney documents
- Business filings from California Business Portal
Federal Documents
Must be processed by the U.S. Department of State, such as:
- FBI background checks (FBI Identity History Summary)
- Federal court judgments (U.S. Courts)
- IRS tax forms (Internal Revenue Service)
- Naturalization documents from USCIS
Step 2: Obtain Certified Copies of Your Documents
Before an apostille can be issued, the document must be an original or certified copy.
- Order birth and marriage certificates from Vital Records
- Request transcripts from your educational institution
- Use a licensed notary for personal and business affidavits (National Notary Association)
Step 3: Notarization (If Required)
Some documents must be notarized before they can be apostilled.
- Orange County Apostille partners with certified notaries for fast, compliant notarization.
- Legal and business documents must be notarized per California law.
Step 4: Submit Your Documents to Orange County Apostille
We take care of everything:
- Hand-delivery to the California Secretary of State for state documents
- Shipment to our Washington, D.C. office for federal apostilles
- Translation services if your destination country requires documents in another language (American Translators Association)
Step 5: Apostille Processing and Return
- California Apostilles: Typically 5–10 business days
- Federal Apostilles: Around 2 weeks once received in D.C.
- Expedited service is available for urgent matters
- Completed documents are returned to you via FedEx, UPS, or USPS (USPS Express Mail)
Why Choose Orange County Apostille?
- Same-day and 24-hour processing options available
- State and federal coverage for all U.S. documents
- Secure handling and document tracking
- Translation, notarization, and courier services in one place
We provide full transparency and accuracy—ensuring your documents are apostilled correctly the first time.
When You Need an Apostille
1. Dual Citizenship Applications
Many countries require apostilled documents to verify lineage or residency.
- Common documents: birth certificates, naturalization papers, marriage certificates
- Submit documents to the country’s consulate, such as the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Italian Consulate
2. International Marriages
Apostilles validate your civil status and marriage eligibility.
3. Studying Abroad
Foreign universities require apostilled academic transcripts and diplomas.
- Contact your destination country’s embassy for specific requirements
4. Working Abroad
Visa and work permit applications often require background checks, academic records, and employment letters to be apostilled.
- Required by immigration offices such as UK Home Office, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs, and others
5. International Adoption
Apostilles ensure that adoption-related documents are valid across borders under the Hague Adoption Convention.
6. Doing Business Internationally
Business licenses, incorporation papers, and contracts must be apostilled when forming or expanding a business abroad.
- Required by organizations such as the World Trade Organization
Countries That Accept Apostilles
Over 120 countries are members of the Hague Convention. Some of the most common destinations include:
- Mexico
- Italy
- Spain
- France
- Germany
- South Korea
- Japan
- Brazil
- Argentina
Check the full list of member countries here: Hague Convention Members
Documents We Commonly Apostille
- Birth, death, and marriage certificates
- Divorce decrees and court orders
- Business formation documents
- School transcripts and diplomas
- Criminal background checks
- IRS and Social Security letters
How Long Does the Apostille Process Take?
- California Secretary of State: 5–10 business days
- U.S. Department of State: Approximately 2 weeks
- Expedited services available through Orange County Apostille
Embassy Legalization vs. Apostille
If your destination country is not a Hague member, you will need embassy or consular legalization instead.
- We offer document legalization for non-member countries including China, UAE, and Vietnam
- Verify with the destination country’s consulate: Embassy World Directory
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Apostille a Photocopy of My Document?
No. Only certified originals or notarized copies are eligible for apostille.
Do Apostilles Expire?
The apostille itself does not expire, but some institutions may require documents issued within the last 6–12 months.
Can I Apostille Documents from Other States?
Yes. We provide nationwide apostille services—each state requires submission to its respective Secretary of State.
Do I Need a Translation?
Some countries require a certified translation of apostilled documents. We can assist with translation and notarization.
Conclusion
At Orange County Apostille, we make document authentication simple, secure, and fast. Whether you’re preparing for a major life milestone or conducting business overseas, we handle the entire apostille process from start to finish.
For professional guidance and expedited processing, book your appointment with Orange County Apostille today!
