Apostille Services: What is the Hague Apostille Convention?

Corporate business travel continues to rebound, approaching pre-2019 levels. Business travelers aren't the only ones who need international documents. Students, volunteers, and even some tourists need certified documents to travel abroad.

One common requirement is an apostille. An apostille is a document authentication. The Hague Apostille Convention established this process over 60 years ago.

Learn more here about the Apostille Convention. You'll see how an apostille services provider can streamline the apostille process.

What Is the Hague Apostille Convention?

The Hague Convention of 1961 created the apostille system. It simplified the process of getting documents from one country certified for legal purposes in another country. Certification under the Convention is called an apostille.

The traditional process for legalizing documents was lengthy. An authority of the state where the document was issued certified the issuer of the document. A higher authority certified the previous one.

This continued until a representative of the destination country made a final certification.

The Apostille Convention replaced the traditional requirement of legalization with an apostille certificate. In the United States, an authority of the state that issued the document will issue the apostille.

What Does an Apostille Include?

An official apostille includes a seal and information including:

• Name of the country the document comes from
• Name of the person signing the document
• Capacity in which the person signing the document has acted
• Name of the official that certified the document
• Place and date of authentication
• Authority giving the apostille
• Apostille number

Apostilles are dated, numbered, and registered. Authorities in another country can use this information to verify an apostille.

Apostille Requirements

The process to get an apostille has several steps. You need the original document or true certified copies. You may need to pay a fee for notarization and apostille services.

You must have a translation of any documents in a foreign language. You need to use a certified translator. The translation must be notarized as a true translation.

Documents like transcripts or diplomas must be notarized before you submit them for the apostille. If the notary is licensed by the county, the county clerk should certify their signature. Then, the Office of the Secretary of State will certify the document.

For documents like birth or death certificates, you'll need a certified copy from the appropriate state office. Then the Office of the Secretary of State will certify the document. Certification by the secretary of state constitutes the apostille.

Benefits of Mobile Apostille Services

Getting international documents can be time-consuming. It can be complicated depending on the documents that need an apostille. You can streamline the process with mobile apostille services.

A mobile notary can come to your home, place of business, or other location. They can process your documents faster. They may be able to provide other services you need, like translations.

Choose Your Apostille Services Provider

An apostille is often necessary for international documents. Meeting the apostille requirements doesn't have to be difficult. An experienced apostille services provider can help you navigate the process.

Maryland DC Virginia Mobile Notary and Apostille is a leader in apostille certification. We serve all 50 states and the District of Columbia. Our mobile services are convenient, saving you time and money.

Schedule an appointment with Maryland DC Virginia Mobile Notary and Apostille today. Let us simplify your apostille process.