Can I get an Apostille for a U.S. document that will be used in a foreign country?

Yes, you can obtain an apostille for a U.S. document used in a foreign country. However, there are important distinctions to understand:

Key Concepts:

• Hague Apostille Convention:
  • The apostille process simplifies document legalization for international use. It applies to countries that are members of the Hague Convention of 1961.
  • Where to Obtain an Apostille:
    • The authority that issues the apostille depends on the type of U.S. document:
      • State-issued documents: The Secretary of State apostilles documents issued by a U.S. state: birth certificates, marriage certificates, and notarized documents. Each state handles apostilles for its own documents.
      • Federal documents: The U.S. Department of State apostilles documents issued by federal agencies—such as FBI background checks and federal court records.
    In essence:
    • You will likely need an apostille if you plan to use your U.S. document in a Hague Convention member country.
    • You must obtain the apostille from the appropriate U.S. authority (state or federal) corresponding to your document’s origin.
    Important Considerations:
    • Country of Use: Make sure the foreign country where you intend to use the document is a member of the Hague Convention. If not, you may require a different authentication process (consular legalization).
    • Document Preparation: You often need to notarize documents properly before obtaining an apostille.
    Therefore, yes, it is possible. However, you must obtain the apostille from the correct governing body.Apostille Corp offers expedited document processing based on document type and issuance. We also provide same-day service for a fast and hassle-free experience when needed.