Maryland Apostille: What Do You Need to Know?

In 1961, many countries signed the Hague Convention Treaty, entering into a new age of global dialogue and commerce. Since then, those looking for international document certification have relied on apostille service.

Have you started looking into moving to another country? Maybe you're trying to land a job with a foreign firm. Either way, as you make your journey beyond Maryland, apostille services will help you get your documentation in order.

Need to know what differentiates a notary and an apostille? Do notaries offer mobile apostille services?

Keep reading and we'll cover the basics of apostille services, and tell you how to get your legal documents certified.

What Is a Maryland Apostille?

Apostilles are documents from a government organization that certify the authenticity of seals, signatures, and other marks of records. You must send an apostille along with any documents sent to a 1961 Hague Convention Treaty signatory. Most countries in North America, South America, and Asia have signed and ratified the treaty, as have all European countries and many African countries.

A Maryland apostille would indicate Maryland issued the document. 

Will Apostille Services Work For Any Country?

Not all countries accept apostille documents. If the country hasn't ratified the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty, the document will need to undergo a different authentication process called legalization or standard certification.

Who Issues Apostilles?

The appropriate issuing body depends on the document. Documents issued or notarized by a federal body, such as a military notary or an American consular officer, go through the U.S. Department of State.

In the state of Maryland, document certification goes through the Office of the Secretary of State.

State Apostille Process By Document Type

Legal documents fall into different categories based on the issuer. State documents, county documents, and private documents have different processes.

State Documents

You must obtain a certified copy of the document from the appropriate state office, then mail or deliver it to the Office of the Secretary of State to undergo review. Once you receive the document and apostille certificate, you can send them to the foreign country's consulate office.

County Documents

As with state documents, you must obtain a certified copy from the county office. You then mail or deliver the document to the Office of the Secretary of State. Once it's returned to you, you can send it to the foreign country's consulate office.

Private Documents

Private documents, like transcripts and diplomas, must be notarized first. You must then send the documents to the Clerk of the Circuit Court of the county commissioning the notary, which you'll find on the notary's seal. Afterward, follow the same steps as with state or county documents.

Authentication Services Done Right

A Maryland apostille proves to a foreign government that your documents are in order. While getting such a certificate can seem intimidating the first time, the process should be painless.

Do you need help notarizing a private document for apostille? Do you want to skip the tedious process of sending documents to offices yourself? Contact us and schedule an apostille services appointment.