Get your documents recognized around the world
An apostille is the international stamp of approval that tells a foreign government your Virginia document is authentic. We handle the notarization, coordination, and Secretary of State submission for you.
Same-day availability · Licensed & Insured · Veteran-Owned
Overview
About this service
Under the 1961 Hague Convention, countries agreed to accept a single certificate, the apostille, as proof that a public document is genuine. If you are sending a Virginia document to another Hague country (Mexico, Spain, Italy, the Philippines, India, and 100+ others), an apostille is what makes it legally usable there.
Getting an apostille wrong is expensive: a missing signature, the wrong name spelling, or an ineligible document can mean weeks of delay. We handle the notarization and the Virginia Secretary of State submission so it moves the first time.
What you get
Key benefits
- Notarization performed to Secretary of State standards
- Submission and pickup with the Virginia SOS handled for you
- Coordination with certified translators when required
- Guidance on non-Hague countries (embassy legalization)
- Common documents: birth/marriage certificates, POAs, corporate resolutions, diplomas, adoption paperwork
“The entire process was seamless.”
How it works
A simple, guided process
- Step 1
Tell us the destination country
We confirm whether an apostille or embassy legalization is required.
- Step 2
Prepare the document
We notarize the underlying document or certified copy per Virginia SOS requirements.
- Step 3
Submit to the Secretary of State
We deliver the document to the Virginia SOS in Richmond for the apostille certificate.
- Step 4
Return to you
You receive the finished document, apostille attached, ready for its foreign purpose.
Ideal for
Common use cases
- International adoptions
- Dual citizenship applications
- Marriage or divorce recognition abroad
- Doing business in another Hague country
- Studying abroad and diploma verification
- Estate matters involving property in another country
Pricing
Apostille work is quoted per document, including notarization, Secretary of State fees, and courier or in-person submission.
Frequently asked
Answers to common questions
What is the difference between an apostille and a notarization?+
A notarization confirms who signed a document. An apostille confirms that the notary (or issuing agency) is real and authorized. Foreign governments need both.
How long does an apostille take?+
Typically 1–3 weeks depending on Virginia Secretary of State turnaround. Expedited handling is available.
Can any document be apostilled?+
Only 'public documents', vital records, notarized signatures, court records, and similar. We help you identify what needs to happen before the SOS will attach an apostille.
What if my destination country is not part of the Hague Convention?+
You will need embassy or consulate 'legalization' instead of an apostille. We can advise on the process, though the final steps happen at the destination country's embassy.
Do I need a translation?+
Many countries require a certified translation. We work with trusted translators and can coordinate this for you.
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