Someone just told you that you need an apostille. Now what?
Maybe you're holding a document that has to be used in another country, and you're trying to figure out what happens next. Nobody explained what an apostille is or where to start.
You're definitely not the first person to have questions. What type of document do you have? Does it need to be notarized first? Where do you get the apostille? And how do you know you're following the right process? These are questions I regularly hear from people who are navigating the apostille process.
For more than 25 years, Notary Long Beach-Mobile Notary & Apostille has provided mobile notary and apostille services to individuals, families, attorneys, and businesses throughout Long Beach and surrounding areas. I've found that most people don't need a complicated explanation. They simply need to know where to start.
Start with your document
First, identify what kind of document you have. A California birth certificate, a court document, a notarized document, and other official records can each have different requirements.
If an employer, attorney, government agency, school, or consulate asked you for the apostille, keep any instructions they gave you. They can help clarify what's needed.
Where will you use the document?
An apostille authenticates a public document for use in another country that belong to the Hague Apostille Convention. That makes the country receiving your document an important part of the process. If it isn't a member, the steps are different.
Does the document need to be notarized?
This is a common source of confusion, and the short answer is that a notarization and an apostille are not the same thing.
A California notary public performs a notarial act. An apostille is a separate certification issued by a different authority. Some documents need to be notarized before they can receive an apostille, and others don't. The answer depends on the type of document and how it was issued.
If notarizing comes first, that's where I can help right away. I travel to you, at home, at your office, or wherever is easiest.
What if you're still not sure?
You don't need to know all the answers before you reach out. Tell me what the document is, where it was issued, and where it will be used, and that is usually all I need to point you in the right direction. I can tell you what needs to happen next, including whether notarization or another step comes before the apostille.
Questions or ready to book?
Getting the requirements right before you move forward can help prevent delays and rejected documents. If you have questions about your document, call me at (562) 477-3166. If you already know what you need, you can book an appointment online, day or night.
