Can I apostille photocopies or notarized copies?

No, you can only apostille documents certified by the original issuing authority. Photocopies, even notarized ones, cannot be apostilled. You must obtain certified copies from vital records offices, schools, or government agencies.

How long are apostilled documents valid?

Apostilles themselves don't expire, but the receiving country may require documents to be recent. Many countries accept apostilled documents that are 3-6 months old, while others may accept older documents. Check with your destination country's requirements.

What if my state doesn't offer expedited apostille service?

Use a professional apostille service company that can hand-deliver documents and provide same-day or next-day processing. These services typically cost $100-300 per document but can reduce processing time from weeks to 1-3 days.

Can I apostille documents from other states?

You must use the Secretary of State office from the state where the document was issued. For example, a California birth certificate must be apostilled by California's Secretary of State, even if you now live in another state.

How to Get Documents Apostilled for International Use

Get documents apostilled by first obtaining certified copies from the issuing authority, then submitting them to your state's Secretary of State office (for state documents) or the U.S. Department of State (for federal documents) with the required fee. Processing takes 2-8 weeks depending on the office and service level chosen.

Identify which documents need apostilles. Common documents requiring apostilles include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, educational transcripts, FBI background checks, and corporate documents. Check with your destination country's consulate or the organization requiring the documents to confirm exactly what you need.
Obtain certified copies from the issuing authority. Request certified copies directly from the vital records office, school registrar, or agency that originally issued the document. Photocopies cannot be apostilled. For FBI background checks, request them directly from the FBI with apostille service included.
Determine the correct apostille authority. State-issued documents (birth certificates, marriage licenses) go to your state's Secretary of State office. Federal documents (FBI checks, federal court records) go to the U.S. Department of State Authentication Office in Washington, D.C.
Complete the apostille application. Download the application form from the relevant Secretary of State website or DOS Authentication Office. Include your contact information, document details, and preferred return shipping method. Some states allow online applications.
Calculate fees and processing time. Standard state apostilles cost $8-25 per document and take 5-15 business days. Federal apostilles cost $8 per document and take 8-11 weeks. Expedited services are available for additional fees ranging from $50-200 per document.
Submit documents and payment. Mail or deliver in person with completed application, original certified documents, payment, and prepaid return envelope. Use certified mail or courier service for valuable documents. Keep copies of everything for your records.
Track and receive apostilled documents. Most offices provide tracking numbers or online status updates. Once apostilled, the document will have an official certificate attached. Verify all information is correct before using the documents abroad.

Can I apostille photocopies or notarized copies?: No, you can only apostille documents certified by the original issuing authority. Photocopies, even notarized ones, cannot be apostilled. You must obtain certified copies from vital records offices, schools, or government agencies.
How long are apostilled documents valid?: Apostilles themselves don't expire, but the receiving country may require documents to be recent. Many countries accept apostilled documents that are 3-6 months old, while others may accept older documents. Check with your destination country's requirements.
What if my state doesn't offer expedited apostille service?: Use a professional apostille service company that can hand-deliver documents and provide same-day or next-day processing. These services typically cost $100-300 per document but can reduce processing time from weeks to 1-3 days.
Can I apostille documents from other states?: You must use the Secretary of State office from the state where the document was issued. For example, a California birth certificate must be apostilled by California's Secretary of State, even if you now live in another state.