Can I apostille documents from any state?

No, documents must be apostilled by the state that issued them. A California birth certificate must be apostilled by California's Secretary of State, even if you live in another state.

How long are apostilled documents valid?

Apostilles themselves don't expire, but the receiving country may set their own time limits. Many countries accept apostilled documents for 6-12 months, while others have no time restrictions. Check with your destination country's requirements.

What's the difference between an apostille and embassy legalization?

Apostilles are for countries that signed the Hague Convention (most countries). Embassy legalization is for countries that didn't sign the convention and requires additional steps through the destination country's embassy or consulate in the U.S.

Can I apostille documents while traveling abroad?

No, apostilles must be obtained from U.S. authorities before traveling. You cannot get U.S. document apostilles from American embassies or consulates abroad. Plan ahead and complete this process before departure.

How to Get Documents Apostilled for International Travel

Get documents apostilled by submitting them to your state's Secretary of State office (for state documents) or the U.S. State Department (for federal documents) with the required fee, typically $15-25 per document. Processing takes 2-15 business days depending on the office and service level chosen.

Determine which documents need apostilles. Check with your destination country's embassy or consulate to confirm which documents require apostilles. Common documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, educational transcripts, FBI background checks, and notarized power of attorney forms.
Get certified copies of your documents. Obtain official certified copies from the issuing authority. For birth certificates, contact the vital records office in the state where you were born. For educational documents, contact your school's registrar. You cannot apostille photocopies or uncertified documents.
Identify the correct apostille authority. State-issued documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates) go to your state's Secretary of State office. Federal documents (FBI background checks, federal court documents) go to the U.S. State Department's Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C.
Submit documents to the appropriate office. Mail or deliver documents with the completed application form and payment. Include a self-addressed, prepaid envelope for return shipping. Many states offer expedited service for additional fees ranging from $20-50 per document.
Track processing and receive apostilled documents. Standard processing takes 5-15 business days for most state offices, 8-15 business days for the State Department. Expedited service reduces this to 1-3 business days. Keep tracking information and contact the office if documents don't arrive within expected timeframes.

Can I apostille documents from any state?: No, documents must be apostilled by the state that issued them. A California birth certificate must be apostilled by California's Secretary of State, even if you live in another state.
How long are apostilled documents valid?: Apostilles themselves don't expire, but the receiving country may set their own time limits. Many countries accept apostilled documents for 6-12 months, while others have no time restrictions. Check with your destination country's requirements.
What's the difference between an apostille and embassy legalization?: Apostilles are for countries that signed the Hague Convention (most countries). Embassy legalization is for countries that didn't sign the convention and requires additional steps through the destination country's embassy or consulate in the U.S.
Can I apostille documents while traveling abroad?: No, apostilles must be obtained from U.S. authorities before traveling. You cannot get U.S. document apostilles from American embassies or consulates abroad. Plan ahead and complete this process before departure.