Apostille & Notarial Certification FAQs | Document Legalization Explained

Apostille and Notarial Certification Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an apostille?

An apostille, sometimes called a state certification, is a form of authentication required for documents that will be used in foreign countries.

It verifies that a document is genuine and recognized by countries participating in the Hague Apostille Convention.

If the destination country is not part of the Hague Convention, additional authentication through that country’s Embassy or Consulate may be required.

What types of documents commonly require an apostille?

B. Elise Notary Services LLC can help facilitate apostilles for many document types, including:

  • Birth Certificates
  • Marriage Certificates
  • Death Certificates
  • Certified Copies
  • Background Checks
  • Power of Attorney Documents
  • School Transcripts and Diplomas
  • Divorce Decrees
  • Court Documents
  • Vehicle Titles
  • Clerk of Court or County Records
  • Notarized Documents

What is the process for obtaining an apostille?

Here is how the apostille facilitation process works:

  1. Gather Your Documents
    Collect the original or notarized documents requiring authentication.
  2. Complete the Apostille Request Form
    Submit your request through the Apostille Request Form.
  3. Document Submission
    Your documents will be submitted to the appropriate Secretary of State or issuing authority based on the state where the documents originated.
  4. Processing
    Average processing time for Florida apostilles is approximately 7 business days. Processing times in other states may vary.
  5. Receive Your Apostilled Documents
    Once completed, your apostille certificate will be attached to the document and returned for international use.

How long does the apostille process take?

Florida apostille requests are typically completed within approximately 7 business days through the Secretary of State’s office.

Processing times for other states may range between 2 to 4 weeks depending on state requirements and mailing times.

We recommend planning ahead whenever possible to avoid delays.

What is your role as an apostille agent?

As your Apostille Agent, B. Elise Notary Services LLC assists by:

  • Reviewing your documents for apostille eligibility
  • Preparing and submitting documents to the correct authority
  • Tracking the progress of your request
  • Providing updates throughout the process
  • Ensuring secure return delivery of completed documents

Our goal is to help make the apostille process efficient, organized, and stress-free.

How much do apostille services cost?

Apostille facilitation services start at $120.

Additional fees may apply depending on:

  • Document type
  • Number of documents
  • Destination country requirements
  • Shipping needs
  • State processing requirements

A detailed quote will be provided before services begin.

Why is an apostille important?

An apostille helps confirm that your document is legally recognized for use in another country.

It is commonly required for international legal matters, education, employment, business transactions, marriage, adoption, and immigration-related processes.

Can you assist with documents for countries not part of the Hague Convention?

Yes.

For countries not participating in the Hague Apostille Convention, additional legalization through an Embassy or Consulate may be required.

B. Elise Notary Services LLC can help guide you through the additional authentication process needed for those countries.

How do I get started with obtaining an apostille?

Getting started is simple.

Gather your documents and submit your request through the Apostille Request Form.

Once your request is received, you will be contacted directly regarding document review, pricing, processing details, and next steps.

 Can a document be apostilled if it is written in a language other than English? 

Yes. A document may be apostilled even if it is written in a language other than English. In fact, some receiving countries require documents to be presented in their native language for acceptance.

The notarization process is generally handled the same way as any other document in the United States. The notary will verify the identity of the signer(s), witness the signature(s), and complete an English-language notarial certificate, such as a General Acknowledgment, which is attached to the document.

Once notarized, the document can be submitted for apostille through the Secretary of State in the state where the notary is commissioned. The apostille authenticates the notary's commission and signature—it does not certify, translate, or validate the contents of the document itself.

If a certified translation is required by the receiving country, that requirement should be confirmed before the apostille process begins.