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.
Notarized Document Apostille Services
- Digital process: Upload a clear scan of your notarized document. Our licensed notary certifies a true copy, a U.S. Secretary of State issues the apostille, and we ship the apostilled document back to you with tracking.
- Fast turnaround: Economy in 4-6 business days, Standard in 2-3 days, Express in 1 business day.
- International ready: Recognized across 120+ Hague Convention countries. Your original notarized document never has to leave your possession.
Why Choose Us
Expert notarized document review
Every notarized document is reviewed by our team before processing. We catch eligibility issues, missing pages, and state-specific gotchas upfront so your apostille is not rejected.
Get a free reviewFast turnaround options
From 1-business-day Express to economy standard, we offer flexible processing speeds to match any deadline.
View processing timesEnd-to-end digital service
From scan upload to notarized true copy to state apostille to tracked shipping. We handle the entire process so you don't have to.
See requirementsProcessing Timelines
Priority ExpressExpress
As fast as 1 business day
Standard PriorityStandard
2-3 business days
Economy StandardEconomy
4-6 business days
State processing can be as fast as 1 business day 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 detailsHow It Works
Three simple steps from upload to delivery. We handle all the complexity.
Upload Your Scan
Submit a clear color scan of your notarized document through our secure portal. We review it for eligibility and accuracy before anything moves forward.
We Handle Everything
Our licensed notary certifies a true copy of your notarized document, then a U.S. Secretary of State issues the apostille on the notary-certified true copy.
Receive Your Apostille
Your apostilled notarized document is shipped directly to you with full tracking. Domestic and international delivery available.
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.
Never mail your original documents
We process apostilles from a notarized true copy of your uploaded scan. Your birth certificate, diploma, or FBI report never leaves your hands, so it can never be lost in the mail.
How true copy processing worksFrequently Asked Questions
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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.