Apostille & Translation Services for International Documents.
Get help preparing documents that need to be used in another country, including vital records, school records, powers of attorney, business documents, FBI background checks, and certified translations when required.
An apostille helps verify a document for international use.
An apostille is a certificate attached to a public or notarized document so it can be recognized in another country that participates in the Hague Apostille Convention.
It confirms the authenticity of the signature, seal, or official capacity of the person who signed or certified the document. It does not verify the contents of the document itself.
Why it matters
The receiving country or organization may require an apostille before accepting your document. Requirements can vary by document type, destination country, and receiving authority.
When customers usually need an apostille.
You may need an apostille when a document issued or notarized in Florida must be presented to a foreign government, school, court, employer, immigration office, bank, or other receiving authority abroad.
Personal, school, legal, and business documents.
Apostille and translation requirements vary by document type. We review your request before providing an estimate or next-step instructions.
Personal Records
Birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, divorce decrees, adoption records, and personal affidavits.
School Documents
Transcripts, diplomas, enrollment letters, school records, and education documents for international use.
Legal Documents
Powers of attorney, affidavits, court records, consent letters, and notarized legal documents.
Business Documents
Corporate records, certificates of status, authorization letters, contracts, and company documents.
Travel & Immigration
Documents needed for visas, residency, citizenship, marriage abroad, employment, or relocation.
Certified Translation
Certified translations may be needed depending on the destination country and receiving authority.
A clearer way to handle international documents.
The apostille process depends on whether your document is a certified public record, a notarized document, a school document, or a business document.
Some documents can be submitted directly for apostille processing. Others may need notarization, certification, or additional preparation first.
Apostille and translation often work together.
Some receiving authorities require documents to be translated before submission. Others require the apostille first, followed by translation.
In some cases, the original document, apostille, and certified translation may all need to be submitted together. If you are unsure, submit your request and we will help review what may be needed.
Helpful Tip
Always confirm with the receiving authority whether the apostille, original document, translation, or all documents must be submitted together.
Some requests can be completed without meeting in person.
If your document requires notarization before apostille processing, we may be able to complete the notarial act through Florida Remote Online Notarization when the document is eligible.
This can be helpful for customers outside Florida, busy professionals, travelers, or anyone who needs a more convenient option.
RON may help with:
- Secure live video notarization
- Identity verification
- No in-person meeting when eligible
- Time-sensitive document requests
Need your documents sooner?
We offer expedited service options when available. Timing depends on the document type, destination requirements, state processing, courier availability, translation needs, and shipping method.
Priority Review
We review your request and documents as quickly as possible to identify potential issues early.
Courier Options
Expedited courier service may be available depending on the document and processing requirements.
Priority Shipping
Overnight and expedited shipping options are available when requested.
Check if your destination country participates.
Apostilles are generally used between countries that participate in the Hague Apostille Convention. If your country appears in the dropdown below, it means it is currently listed as a participating country. We will still review your request for any special rules or document-specific requirements.
This list is provided for convenience and should not be treated as final legal advice. Requirements may vary, and some countries may have special rules, objections, future effective dates, or additional requirements. We will review your request before providing next steps.
Apostille & Translation FAQs
These answers are general information. Requirements can vary by document type, destination country, and receiving authority.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the signature, seal, or official capacity on a document so it may be accepted in another country that participates in the Hague Apostille Convention.
What is the purpose of an apostille?
The purpose is to help a foreign authority verify that a U.S. public record or notarized document was properly issued, certified, or notarized.
Do all countries accept apostilles?
No. Apostilles are generally used for countries that participate in the Hague Apostille Convention. Non-participating countries may require authentication or legalization instead.
Can Attain help me determine what I need?
Yes. Submit your request and upload your documents if available. We will review your request and help identify whether apostille, notarization, certified translation, or additional steps may be needed.
Do you offer certified translation?
Yes. Certified translation coordination is available for documents that need to be translated for international use.
Should translation happen before or after the apostille?
It depends on the receiving authority. Some require the original document to be apostilled first, while others may require the translation to be included.
Can my document be notarized online?
In some cases, yes. If the document is eligible for Remote Online Notarization, we may be able to complete the notarial act online before coordinating the apostille process.
Do you offer expedited apostille services?
Yes. Expedited handling may be available depending on the document type, processing requirements, courier availability, translation needs, and shipping method.
Additional services that may help.
Start your apostille and translation request today.
Complete the request form and our team will review your documents, confirm what may be needed, and guide you through the next steps.