What is an Apostille?

An Apostille is a certification that verifies the authenticity of a public document's signature, seal, and the position of the official who issued it. Apostilles allow documents to be issued in one country and recognized as valid in another.

Apostilles are required when a document is being sent to a country that is a member of the 1961 Hague Convention. If the country you're sending the document to doesn't participate in the Hague Convention, you may need to get an additional federal Certificate of Authentication from the U.S. Department of State. 

Documents that may require an Apostille include but may not be limited to birth, death, and marriage certificates, school transcripts, diplomas, vehicle titles, and adoption records, Power of Attorney, Certified Copies. 

Each state has a designated Competent Authority who issues Apostilles. For example, in California, the California Secretary of State issues Apostilles.

There are varying factors that determine certification and authentication requirements when requesting an Apostille. Every situation is unique. Let Dot and Dash Mobile Notary assist you along the way.