What Is the Apostille Process?

An apostille is a special certificate that makes a U.S. document legally valid in another country that’s part of the Hague Apostille Convention. It’s often required for international use of documents like birth certificates, school records, or notarized powers of attorney.

Here’s how the process works when you work with me:

 

📝 Step-by-Step Apostille Process:

1. Document Review
   I’ll review your document to ensure it’s eligible for an apostille. It must either be:
   • An original certified document (like a birth certificate), or
   • A notarized document (like a power of attorney or affidavit)
2. Notarization (if needed)
   If your document isn’t already notarized and needs to be, I can take care of that for you on the spot.
3. Submission to the State
   I will either mail, overnight, or personally deliver your document to the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth in Richmond for apostille processing—saving you time and delays.
4. Pickup or Return Delivery
   Once the apostille is issued (same day services available), I’ll return the completed document to you by hand or arrange secure delivery, depending on your preference.