If you’re searching for “apostille certificates”, you probably need to present a U.S. certificate — like a birth, marriage, diploma, or legal record — in another country. For it to be accepted abroad, it must be apostilled according to the Hague Convention of 1961.
In this article, we’ll explain what apostille certificates are, which documents can be apostilled, and how Notary Public Center makes the process easy from start to finish — no matter where you are.
What Is an Apostille Certificate?
An apostille certificate is an official authentication issued by a Secretary of State in the U.S. It certifies the origin of a public document so it can be legally used in foreign countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
The apostille does not validate the content of the document, only its origin and the authority of the official (or notary) who signed it.
Common Certificates That Require Apostille
Depending on the purpose and destination country, the most common certificates that may require an apostille include:
Vital Records
- Birth certificates
- Marriage certificates
- Death certificates
(Must be certified originals issued by state or county agencies)
Academic Certificates
- High school diplomas
- College degrees
- School transcripts
(May require notarization first)
Legal Certificates
- Divorce decrees
- Criminal background checks (e.g. FBI, FDLE)
- Adoption records
- Name change certificates
Corporate or Business Certificates
- Articles of incorporation
- Good standing certificates
- Power of attorney for international use
- Notarized business contracts
How Notary Public Center Helps You Apostille Certificates
At Notary Public Center, we simplify the entire process of obtaining an apostille for your certificates. Here’s how we help:
Document Review
We verify if your certificate is valid for apostille, and guide you if notarization or a certified copy is needed.
Online Notarization
If your certificate requires notarization, we offer secure online notarization with identity verification — no in-person meeting needed.
Apostille Request Submission
We prepare and submit all required forms and fees to the correct Secretary of State, managing every step.
Translations
If the document needs to be submitted in another language, we provide translations.
Fast, Secure Delivery
We return the completed apostille certificate to you by domestic or international shipping, with tracking included.
Conclusion
Apostille certificates are essential when using U.S. documents abroad. The process can be confusing, but Notary Public Center makes it easy — handling everything from document review to apostille issuance and delivery.
Need to apostille your certificate? Contact Notary Public Center today and let our expert team guide you step by step.
The information contained in this publication is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or using this content does not create and is not intended to create an attorney-client relationship. No reader or user should act or refrain from acting based on the information presented herein without first consulting an attorney duly licensed to practice law in their jurisdiction.
