Individuals & families
Studying, marrying, adopting, retiring or buying property abroad, we get your documents ready for the country that needs them.
Apostille Services · 10+ Years
Apostille services that get your documents accepted abroad.
We notarize, prepare and submit your documents for apostille or embassy legalization, track every step, and return them ready to use in another country — without you chasing state offices.
10+ years serving our clients
State & federal apostilles
Notarization included when needed
Apostille basics
What is an apostille, and do you need one?
An apostille is an official certificate that lets a U.S. document be recognized in the more than 120 countries that belong to the Hague Apostille Convention. If you’re using a document abroad — to study, marry, work, adopt, open a bank account or do business — the receiving office will often ask for one.
Hague Convention countries
One apostille from the right state or federal office is all you need.
Non-member countries
Documents need authentication, then legalization by that country’s embassy or consulate.
State vs. federal documents
State records go to that state’s Secretary of State; federal records go to the U.S. Department of State.
What we apostille
Personal, academic & business documents
Not sure your document qualifies? Call us and we’ll check before you book.
- Birth, marriage & death certificates
- Powers of attorney
- Diplomas & transcripts
- FBI background checks
- Affidavits & declarations
- Corporate documents
- Court documents
- Adoption paperwork
- Divorce decrees
- Certificates of good standing
Who we help
For individuals, law firms and businesses
Law firms
International litigation, estate matters and cross-border transactions, handled with clear status updates and on-time returns.
Businesses
Corporate documents for overseas banks, partners, subsidiaries and government registrations.
How it works
Four steps to an apostilled document
- 01
Tell us what you need
Share the document type and the country where you’ll use it. We confirm exactly what’s required.
- 02
Notarize if needed
If your document needs a notary first, we notarize it at your door or online.
- 03
We submit it
We file with the correct Secretary of State or the U.S. Department of State, and the embassy if required.
- 04
Delivered to you
Your apostilled document is returned by tracked shipping, ready to send abroad.
Pricing
Apostille service pricing
Government and shipping fees are billed separately at cost.
State apostille
Most popularNotarization if needed, preparation and submission to the Secretary of State for one document.
Book NowFederal apostille
For federal documents such as FBI background checks, submitted to the U.S. Department of State.
Book NowEmbassy legalization
Authentication and embassy or consulate legalization for countries outside the Hague Convention.
Speak to Our Sales Team
Book online
Start your apostille today
Pick a time below to talk through your document and destination country. We’ll confirm the steps, timeline and total cost before anything is submitted.
“The Opal Group has allowed us to scale our practice without increasing in-house hiring and overhead. A great addition to our business.”Anonymous Law Practice · New York City
FAQ
Apostille questions
Have a deadline abroad? Call 1-877-618-OPAL and we’ll tell you the fastest route.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a certificate that verifies the signature and seal on a public document so it’s accepted in other countries that belong to the Hague Apostille Convention. It replaces the longer embassy legalization process for those countries.
Who issues an apostille in the U.S.?
For state documents and documents notarized in a state, the Secretary of State (or equivalent office) of that state issues the apostille. For federal documents, such as FBI background checks, it’s issued by the U.S. Department of State.
What if my country isn’t part of the Hague Convention?
Documents for non-member countries need authentication and then legalization by that country’s embassy or consulate. We can guide you through the extra steps. [Embassy legalization service available.]
Does my document need to be notarized first?
It depends on the document. Privately signed documents, like a power of attorney or affidavit, are notarized first. Public records, like birth or marriage certificates, must be certified copies issued by the government office that holds them.
Can you apostille a birth or marriage certificate?
Yes, as long as it’s a certified copy issued by the state or county vital records office. Some states and destination countries also require the copy to be recently issued, so check before ordering.
How long does it take?
Processing times depend on the issuing state or federal office and can range from a few days to several weeks. [Our typical turnaround is X business days, with expedited options available.]
Can you handle documents from any state?
The apostille must come from the state where the document was issued or notarized. We coordinate submissions for [all 50 states], so you don’t have to deal with each office yourself.
Do I need a translation?
Some countries require a certified translation of the document or the apostille. Check with the receiving office abroad. [We can arrange certified translations.]
