When you have legal documents intended for use overseas, they often must be apostilled. This is a process established in 1961 to simplify certifying public documents for use in foreign countries that have signed the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents.

The term “Apostille” refers to a certificate of authentication that is attached to an official document, such as a birth or death certificate, marriage or divorce record, single status letter, or other certified Washington state documents. The purpose of an apostille is to verify that the document originated in the jurisdiction listed on the document and that the signature on the document is genuine. Apostilles are issued by a designated authority in the country where the document was originally notarized. Countries that have signed the Hague Convention are known as Contracting Authorities and their designation is indicated in a list of Competent Authorities.

Understanding Apostille: What It Is and Why You Need It

If you are not sure whether your document requires an apostille, check with the embassy or consulate of the country where it will be used to determine what steps are required. Some countries, such as Canada (a huge trading partner), have not signed the Hague Convention and may require additional steps, such as legalization, to be recognized.

The Authentication Division can help you obtain an apostille for your document or for your entire batch of documents. Once completed, the apostille will be returned to you via mail with your original documents unless you provide a prepaid FedEx, UPS or USPS tracking label that we can attach to the return envelope.

Freedom Mobile Notary & Colorado Apostille Services LLC
Phone: +17206693136