True Copy vs. Original: Which Apostille Method Do You Need?

The true copy method is an apostille process where a photocopy of your document is notarized as a "true and correct copy" of the original, and then the notarized copy is submitted for apostille. The apostille is placed on the notarized copy, not on your original document.

Here is how it works: You provide your original document to a notary public. The notary makes a photocopy (or you provide one), compares it to the original, and then certifies the copy as a true and correct reproduction of the original document. The notary attaches a notarial certificate (called a "copy certification by notary") to the photocopy, signs it, and applies their official seal. This notarized true copy is then submitted to the Secretary of State for apostille.

The key benefit of the true copy method is that your original document is never submitted to any government office. It stays safely in your possession throughout the process. This is particularly valuable for irreplaceable documents like original birth certificates, diplomas, or court orders. The true copy method also allows you to create multiple apostilled copies of the same document - useful if you need to send documents to multiple countries or institutions simultaneously.

The original method (also called "original document protocol") involves submitting the actual original document - or a newly issued certified copy from the issuing authority - directly to the Secretary of State for apostille. The apostille is placed on or attached to the original document itself.

With this method, the Secretary of State verifies the signature and seal of the government official who signed the original document (or the official who certified the copy). No notarization is needed because the document already bears an official government signature that the Secretary of State can verify directly.

This method is commonly used for government-issued vital records (birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates) where a certified copy from the vital records office is readily available. It is also used for other government-issued documents like certificates of good standing, court-certified documents, and official government letters or certifications.

The original method is generally considered more authoritative because the apostille is directly attached to a government-issued document rather than a notarized copy. However, it requires you to send your original document (or a certified copy) to the Secretary of State, which means the document is out of your possession during processing and there is a small risk of loss in transit.

Both True Copy State and Original Document Processing are established Apostilles.us services. Choose True Copy when you want to begin with a digital copy and keep the source document with you. Choose Original Document Processing when you want the qualifying signature or certification on the physical document authenticated.

Federal Apostille is the third path and is used for FBI background checks. Most other federal-issued documents can use True Copy State service, while Federal Original processing remains available.

Current prices and the available processing tiers are shown on the pricing page and in the order. This keeps the quoted amount connected to the selected document count, service path, processing tier, add-ons, and shipping.

Tracked shipping is included in the order. It is not represented as included in the base service price, and transit time remains separate from processing.

True Copy State and Original Document Processing authenticate different signatures or certifications. This page does not promise recipient acceptance or publish country-by-country exceptions.

Customers can confidently select either service path. The receiving organization controls the underlying document it asks to be presented.