---
title: "How to Notarize a Apostille & Authentication | Step-by-Step | 1MobileNotary"
url: https://1mobilenotary.com/documents/apostille-documents
description: "Complete guide to notarizing a apostille & authentication: what you need, step-by-step process, costs, and FAQs. Documents authenticated for international use under the Hague Convention."
lang: en
---

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# How to Notarize a Apostille & Authentication

Documents authenticated for international use under the Hague Convention.

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Call (888) 750-8914: +18887508914

## Overview

An apostille is a certificate issued by a state's Secretary of State that authenticates a notarized document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. If your notarized document needs to be used internationally — for business, legal proceedings, education, or immigration — it likely needs an apostille. The process requires first getting the document notarized, then submitting it to the appropriate state authority for apostille certification.

## When You Need This Notarized

- Using a U.S. document in a foreign country (Hague Convention member)
- International adoption proceedings
- Studying abroad — transcripts and diplomas
- International business contracts and agreements
- Foreign real estate purchases
- Immigration to another country

## What to Bring

- The notarized document
- State apostille application form
- Payment for apostille fee (varies by state)
- Return shipping materials if mailing

## Step-by-Step Process

1

Get your document notarized by a notary commissioned in the state where you'll request the apostille

2

Obtain the apostille application from the Secretary of State

3

Submit the notarized document, application, and fee

4

The Secretary of State verifies the notary's commission and issues the apostille

5

The apostilled document can now be used in Hague Convention countries

## Important Notes

- The notary must be commissioned in the same state where you request the apostille
- Apostilles are only valid for Hague Convention member countries — other countries require embassy legalization
- Processing times vary from same-day to several weeks depending on the state
- Federal documents (FBI background checks, etc.) are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State, not a state office
- Some documents may need certified translation after apostille

## Cost

Apostille fees vary by state, typically $5-$25 per document. Notarization fees are separate. Expedited processing may cost more.

View fee caps by state (https://1mobilenotary.com/notary-laws)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is an apostille?

An apostille is an international certification that verifies the authenticity of a notarized document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention (over 120 countries).

### Do I need to get the document notarized before getting an apostille?

Yes. The document must be notarized first, then submitted to the state's Secretary of State for apostille certification.

### How long does it take to get an apostille?

Processing times vary by state. Some states offer same-day or next-day service in person, while mail-in requests can take 1-4 weeks.

## Other Document Guides

Power of Attorney: https://1mobilenotary.com/documents/power-of-attorney
Real Estate Deed: https://1mobilenotary.com/documents/real-estate-deed
Affidavit: https://1mobilenotary.com/documents/affidavit
Last Will and Testament: https://1mobilenotary.com/documents/will-and-testament
Loan Documents: https://1mobilenotary.com/documents/loan-documents
Vehicle Title Transfer: https://1mobilenotary.com/documents/vehicle-title-transfer

## Ready to Get Your Apostille & Authentication Notarized?

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### Explore More

Real Estate Closings: https://1mobilenotary.com/services/real-estate-closings
Loan Document Signings: https://1mobilenotary.com/services/loan-document-signings
Legal Document Notarization: https://1mobilenotary.com/services/legal-document-notarization
Apostille Services: https://1mobilenotary.com/apostille
Remote Online Notarization: https://1mobilenotary.com/services/remote-online-notarization
Estate Planning Documents: https://1mobilenotary.com/services/estate-planning
I-9 Verification: https://1mobilenotary.com/i9-verification-services

Request a Mobile Notary: https://1mobilenotary.com/book

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