Notarized Document Apostille Services
- Nationwide Coverage: We process notarized document apostille requests across all 50 U.S. states.
- Federal & State Support: We verify your notarized document meets requirements before submission to prevent delays.
Notarized Document Apostille
Many documents used internationally require notarization followed by an apostille. Affidavits, consent forms, statutory declarations, sworn statements, authorization letters, and other privately executed documents fall into this category. When these documents need to be presented to authorities in a Hague Convention member country, the notary's signature is authenticated by the Secretary of State through an apostille. This is the most versatile category of apostille - virtually any document can be notarized and then apostilled - but the notarization itself must meet specific requirements to be accepted.
What We Check Before Processing
- Notary public commission validity - the notary must be active and in good standing
- State where the notarization was performed (determines which Secretary of State issues the apostille)
- Wet ink vs. electronic notarization - many states do not accept electronic notarizations for apostille
- All required notarial elements: notary signature, printed name, commission number, commission expiration, seal/stamp, notarial act language
- Whether the notarial certificate matches the type of act performed (acknowledgment, jurat, copy certification)
- Destination country requirements for the underlying document
If you have a immigration, travel, legal, or transaction deadline, submit as early as possible. Processing and shipping times vary by state.
Processing Timelines
Priority Express
As fast as 24 hours (business-day turnaround)
Standard Priority
2–3 business days
Economy Standard
4–6 business days
State processing can be as fast as 24 hours for eligible requests. Shipping time is separate from processing time. If you need your apostilled notarized document for international use, submit your request as early as possible to allow for both processing and delivery.
View full processing time detailsTrue Copy vs. Original Protocol
We default to True Copy Apostilles – faster, more affordable, and no need to mail your originals.
True Copy
Recommended- No mailing required
- Faster processing
- Lower cost
- Widely accepted
Original
By request- Must mail your original
- Longer processing
- Higher cost
- Required by some authorities
Common Issues with Notarized Document Apostilles
- Electronic and Remote Online Notarization (RON) Rejections: While electronic and remote online notarization is gaining legal acceptance domestically, many state Secretary of State offices do not yet accept electronically notarized documents for apostille. Additionally, even when the state accepts them, many destination countries reject e-notarized documents. Traditional in-person notarization with a wet ink signature and physical seal remains the safest choice for international use.
- Missing Notarial Elements: A complete notarization must include the notary's signature, printed name, commission number, commission expiration date, the state of commission, the notarial act performed (acknowledgment or jurat), the date of notarization, and the notary's official seal or stamp. Missing any of these elements can cause the Secretary of State to reject the document.
- Out-of-State Notary Issues: A notary can only perform notarial acts within the state where they are commissioned. If a California-commissioned notary notarizes a document in Nevada, the notarization is invalid. The apostille state must match the notary's state of commission, and the notarization must have been performed within that state's borders.
- Wrong Notarial Act Type: There is a difference between an acknowledgment (the signer acknowledges they signed the document) and a jurat (the signer swears the content is true, signed in front of the notary). Some destination countries require a specific type of notarial act. Using the wrong one can result in rejection by the foreign authority even with a valid apostille.
Nationwide Coverage Across All 50 States
We handle notarized document apostille requests from every U.S. state and coordinate directly with the appropriate Secretary of State office for correct routing and processing.
We Ship Directly to You with Tracking
Once processing is complete, we ship your apostilled notarized document directly to you with full tracking. Domestic and international shipping options are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Access guidance addressing the most common questions regarding apostille eligibility, document requirements, jurisdictional differences, and processing timelines.
Related Resources
Apostille Resources
Review detailed guidance on document eligibility, processing standards, jurisdictional requirements, and common submission errors to ensure your documents are accepted internationally.
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements may vary by state and destination country. For formal legal advice, consult a qualified professional.