Sending Documents Abroad? How to Get an Apostille That’s Valid Internationally
If you’ve been asked to get a document “apostilled” for use in another country, you’re not alone — and you’re not the only one wondering what that actually means.
Whether it’s for dual citizenship, adoption, a marriage license, or business filings, an apostille is a form of international certification that proves a U.S. document is legitimate for use overseas.
In this post, I’ll break down what an apostille is, who needs one, and how I can help you get it done — without the confusion, courthouse hassle, or costly mistakes.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certificate issued by the Secretary of State that verifies the authenticity of a notarized or official document. It’s used specifically for documents being sent to countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
📌 Example: You're getting married in Spain and need to provide a U.S. birth certificate. That document will need an apostille to be accepted by foreign authorities.
Who Needs an Apostille?
You might need one if you're:
Getting married or divorced abroad
Adopting internationally
Applying for dual citizenship
Using power of attorney in another country
Submitting business or academic records overseas
Any time a U.S. document needs to be used in a foreign country, an apostille may be required to make it valid.
How the Apostille Process Works
Here’s a simplified version of how it typically goes:
The document must be properly notarized or issued by the correct authority
It’s submitted to the Secretary of State in the state where it was issued
The apostille certificate is attached and the entire packet is returned to you
Common roadblocks:
Submitting incorrect versions of documents
Missing notarization
Trying to apostille a copy that should be certified
Confusing apostilles with embassy or consulate legalizations
How I Can Help
As a certified notary public and apostille facilitator, I take the guesswork out of the process. I can:
Confirm what your receiving country actually needs
Ensure the document is correctly notarized or certified
Handle the submission to the Secretary of State (in AZ or another state)
Track and manage the entire process for fast, accurate returns
I offer multi-state apostille support, not just in Arizona. Whether you're local or remote, I can help.
Let’s Get It Done Right — and Fast
If you're stressed or on a tight timeline, I’ve got you.
📞 Call or text me at (480) 942-8088
📩 Or reach out through my contact form
Let’s make this part of the process the easy part.
