Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document. It is issued by a competent authority designated by a country that is party to the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents.
Why do I need an apostille?
You need an apostille to use a public document in a foreign country that is party to the Hague Convention. The apostille certifies that the document is genuine and can be accepted as legal in the foreign country.
Document Specific Questions
What types of documents can be apostilled?
Common documents that can be apostilled include birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, diplomas, transcripts, powers of attorney, and corporate documents.
How do I get a document apostilled?
The process for getting a document apostilled varies depending on the type of document and the country where it was issued. Generally, you will need to submit the original document or a certified copy to the competent authority, along with any required fees.
Immigration Related Questions
Do I need an apostille for immigration documents?
In many cases, yes. If you are submitting official documents from one country to another for immigration purposes, they often need to be apostilled to be considered valid.
Do I need apostilles for dual citizenship applications?
Yes, most countries require apostilled U.S. documents for dual citizenship applications, especially for citizenship by descent. This includes birth certificates, marriage certificates, and other ancestry documents.