True Copy Apostille vs. Original Apostille
Understand the two types of apostille services so you can choose the right one for your situation.
True Copy Apostille
Digital Copy - Our Default ServiceA True Copy Apostille is issued for a digital copy of your original document. This is the service we process by default unless you specifically request an original apostille.
How It Works
- 1Custodial Certificate - We attach a certificate stating the copy is a true and accurate reproduction of your original.
- 2Notarization - The custodial certificate is notarized.
- 3Apostille - The state issues an apostille for the notarized certificate and attached copy.
Key Advantages
- Very widely accepted internationally
- Faster processing
- No need to mail your original document
- More affordable
- Can be notarized and apostilled in the same state
The apostille references the notary's certification of the true copy, rather than the original document itself. In most cases, this option works perfectly and saves time and money.
Why Is the Apostille From a Different State Than My Document?
When documents are processed using the True Copy method, the apostille is issued by the Secretary of State of the state where the notary is commissioned - not the state where the original document was issued. This is a standard and accepted part of the True Copy apostille workflow and is fully compliant under the Hague Convention.
The apostille on your document is a valid, government-issued certificate from the Secretary of State, and it is accepted by receiving authorities in Hague Convention countries regardless of the state that originally issued the underlying document.
If your receiving authority specifically requires the apostille to be issued by the same state that originally issued the underlying document, we can reprocess your request under Original Protocol. This would require shipping the original document and routing it to the correct Secretary of State.
Original Apostille
Required only in specific situationsAn Original Apostille is issued directly on your original physical document.
How It Works
- 1Mail Your Document - You mail us your original document.
- 2Direct Attachment - The custodial certificate is notarized.
- 3State Processing - It is processed in the state that issued the document.
Key Considerations
- Required by certain countries or specific authorities
- Physical mailing is necessary
- Typically longer processing time
- Higher cost due to shipping and handling
Some countries require the apostille seal to be placed directly on the original document. In those cases, a True Copy Apostille will not be sufficient.
Submit Original Apostille RequestOur Standard Process
To save you time and money, we process documents as True Copy Apostilles unless you request an Original Apostille.