The Apostille Convention is an international treaty that allows countries to easily authenticate legal documents as authentic. In some cases, the apostille is required by law; in others, it’s simply a formality requested by foreign authorities. Here’s what you need to know about apostilles:
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a stamp that’s placed on a document to authenticate it. It can be used to certify documents for use in international commerce, or as a way of certifying documents for international use.
Who needs an apostille?
The following organizations need an apostille:
- Embassies, consulates and other international organizations located in the country where you live.
- Companies that have offices abroad.
- International organizations, who work on behalf of their members (for example, an association or a union).
- Banks operating in several countries. In this case, only documents issued by the bank itself need to be certified, not those issued by its employees or branches (e.g., account opening forms).
- Schools located outside your home state/country that offer education programs for children from different states/countries (e.g., “International School”).
Are There Apostille Services?
In the United States, apostilles are done by a government entity. If you want to send an apostille with your document, it must be done through the US Department of State. For example:
In the Dallas, TX, you can use apostille Dallas service to attach an apostille seal directly onto your document or use verification services for documents that do not require an entire “notary” stamp.
The usual procedure of attaching an apostille involves sending your original certificate along with three copies to us via courier or registered mail so that we can attach it before sending back to you via courier or registered mail as well.
