Your time is valuable, and the Apostille process shouldn’t be a hassle.
At MyNotaryOnTap and Apostille Services, we simplify it for you—fast, secure, and professional services for every document.
Obtaining an Apostille or Embassy Legalization
Navigating the process of obtaining an apostille or embassy legalization can feel daunting. From understanding specific document requirements to dealing with state or federal agencies, the journey often involves numerous steps. At MyNotaryOnTap and Apostille Services, we simplify this complex process, offering efficient, secure, and professional solutions tailored to your needs.
What is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official certification that authenticates documents for international use, recognized under the 1961 Hague Convention. This legal seal ensures that documents like powers of attorney, educational certificates, job letters, deeds, agreements, or company bylaws are valid across member countries. For U.S. citizens and foreign individuals, the Secretary of State or U.S. State Department provides this authentication.
Common Challenges in Obtaining an Apostille
The apostille process requires:
- Certified Copies: Original, certified copies of your documents are often necessary.
- Compliance with State Requirements: Each state has unique rules that must be met before a document is eligible for authentication.
- Time Sensitivity: Delays can occur due to incomplete paperwork or missteps in submission.
These hurdles can be time-consuming and frustrating. That’s why we offer a commitment-free document review process, ensuring your documents meet all requirements before submission.
Document Verification
Notarization is a form of legal authentication for signed (or sometimes, copied) documents. It confirms the document’s authenticity and ensures compliance of such signed documents with the requirements of the relevant jurisdictions. Copied documents include utility bills and passports.
The Notary Public verifies identity of the signee and ensures that such person fully understands, confirms (and willingly accepts) the information contained within such document. The certification by a notary can also be needed to confirm the authenticity of copied documents, such as passports or utility bills.
Process Verification – Check Before You Sign!
A Notary Public can only confirm and notarize signatures that are physically signed before the Notary. All documents have to undergo vetting and document notarization process must be followed before signing. You can consult with us to know the appropriate steps to take. Contact your counsel, or the organization that you are sending the document to and supply a spare copy in case.
Apostille Services
Many legal documents can be sworn, affirmed or declared before a Commissioner of Oaths, who need not be a Notary Public. If the document itself is going to be used outside the jurisdiction, especially internationally, you will likely need to swear or declare before a Notary. This is a practical result of the system used for confirming the execution of international documents. If in doubt, it is normally best to use a Notary, as that covers you, either way. Fortunately, we have them. Just give us a call or send us an email.
How Our Process Works
Get Your Apostille In 5 Easy Steps
Step 1
Request a quote through our website via the Schedule an Appointment page an online consultation. (Or you can also call us at (866) 306-9188).
Step 2
After the online appointment and reviewing the documents, a quote will be provided via email.
Step 3
You can upload documents (in color) to our office. We also offer courier services to pick up the original documents at your convenience.
Step 4
We will then take care of the process of obtaining an Apostille or Embassy Legalization of the documents. Processing times may differ depending on the nature of your documents. In each case, we will provide the time estimate and will guarantee to meet that deadline.
Step 5
Once the document has been apostilled or embassy legalized, you can elect to receive your documents via courier services to your designated location at your convenience. We also ship internationally via DHL. A tracking number will be provided.
Requirements:
Hardware Requirements
Note: For us to perform efficiently and uninterrupted with our online notarial service, we require these basic needs. The purpose of these requirements is to ensure that both you, the client and our company get off to a good start in using our remote online notarization service.
1. Reliable Internet Service: Ensure a stable and fast internet connection to avoid any disruptions during the notarization process.
2. Speakers: Have functional speakers to clearly hear the notary and any instructions provided, during the online notarization process.
3. Audio/Microphone: Use a good quality microphone for clear communication with the notary.
4. Webcam/Video: A high-definition webcam is essential for visual verification and interaction.
5. A Quiet Area: Choose a quiet and private space to maintain confidentiality and focus during the notarization session.
Identification:
Identification requirements for notarial services are throughout all 50 US states. Signee(s) must present valid and active photo identification.
Acceptable forms of identification:
- State-issued driver’s license
- State-issued identification card
- U.S. military identification card
- Passport
- Government issued photo ID
- Resident alien identification card (green card)
FAQ – Apostille
Q. What is an Apostille?
A. An Apostille is a document attached to your document that signifies that is ready to be presented to any country that accepts Apostille. It's an authentication of a public document issued pursuant to the 1961 Hague Convention abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign
Public Documents.
The Apostille ensures that public documents issued in one country will be recognized as valid in another country if that country is part of the Hague Convention. If your country is not part of the Hague Convention, then you will likely need legalization or Authentication.
Q. What is the purpose of an apostille? Why do I need one?
A. The apostille's purpose is to provide additional certification of the signatures to know the documents are authentic in case a foreign country requires it. Foreign countries require additional certification for some documents to verify authenticity. By issuing the apostille, the Secretary of State certifies the authenticity of the notary public. You may need an apostille if you plan to use your documents in many foreign countries.
Q. Are you affiliated with any embassy, consulate, or government entity?
A. No. We are a private business registered in the United States. We do work closely with these entities to facilitate the certification process.
Q. How long does the process take?
A. Due to staff shortages and other factors, many State and Federal process times have inflated. Process time does not include travel.
IMPORTANT: Any processing time given by Apostille Please, LLC Staff is an ESTIMATE based on current industry flow at the time. Variables out of our control can affect process time, so plan accordingly. We are not responsible for missed deadlines due to circumstances beyond our control. We do NOT offer refunds or credits for missed deadlines for delays beyond our control
such as courier delays, State delays, US Department of State delays and Embassy delays. By contracting Apostille Please, LLC you agree to these terms. In many instances Expedited Services are available. See below.
Q. I'm in a hurry, do you offer rush services?
A. Yes, even with State and Federal staff shortage delays, we can still provide some sort of rush services. No one gets it done faster. Check with us to see if your state documents can be rushed.
Q. Do you process non-U.S. documents?
A. No. We process U.S. documents only. If the document is notarized in the U.S., then it is a U.S. document even if it was written abroad.
Q. Can I scan my birth certificate and email it to you for Apostille?
A. You can email a scan for verification purposes only. Vital documents such as birth, death, marriage, and divorce documents must be original and recently issued. You may be able to order a new document at www.vitalchek.com. All notarized documents must also be original.
Q. I can't find my birth certificate; can you order me a new one?
A. We cannot order vital documents such as birth and death certificates. They must be obtained according to the law. You can order most documents online from www.vitalchek.com. We can order marriage and corporate documents for some states.
Q. Do you have a walk-in office in my town?
A. No, we do not have a walk-in office, it is not necessary since the certification process is not instant. Documents need to be prepared and can be submitted online or can be mailed to our mailing address.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinions. The content may not reflect the most recent legal developments. No actions should be taken based solely on the information provided on this site. We disclaim all liability for any actions taken or not fully taken based on the contents of this
website permitted by law. For advice on specific legal issues and jurisdictions, please consult with an attorney.