Frequently Asked Questions -- Apostille

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To obtain an apostille in Texas, you must submit your original recordable documents or properly notarized non-recordable documents to the Texas Secretary of State's office in Austin, TX. This can be done either by mail or in person

Documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, school transcripts, and business organization documents can be apostilled.

It depends on the type of document. Recordable documents, such as birth certificates and marriage licenses, typically do not require notarization. Non-recordable documents, like powers of attorney and affidavits, must be properly notarized by a Texas notary public before an apostille can be issued.

Yes, if the destination country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, you may need to get your apostille validated by the U.S. State Department.

No, the Texas Secretary of State requires original documents or properly notarized copies for apostille processing. Exceptions include certain Texas DPS-issued documents, which may be accepted in their original PDF format

The Hague Apostille Convention is an international treaty that simplifies the legalization process of public documents for use in member countries.

No, only original documents or certified/notarized copies are accepted.

No, only documents issued in Texas can receive a Texas apostille. For other states, you must apply to the Secretary of State in the issuing state.

For non-Hague countries, documents may need embassy or consulate legalization instead of an apostille.

No, apostilles are only needed for documents intended for use in foreign countries.

Yes, but they must first be notarized by the school registrar or a Texas notary public. These should be specially notarized. Please use our free document evaluation service for avoid any delays.

An apostille is for Hague countries, while authentication is used for non-Hague countries, often requiring further embassy certification.

Documents with errors in notarization will be rejected. Ensure all notarizations are accurate before submission. Please use our free document evaluation service for avoid any delays.

Yes, we offer international shipping, often through carriers like FedEx, UPS or DHL. We send you a scan copies of your documents before mailing them.

If lost, you may need to reapply and provide another original document for certification.

Documents with errors in notarization will be rejected. Ensure all notarizations are accurate before submission. Please use our free document evaluation service for avoid any delays.

A notary public is an official appointed by the state government to witness and certify the signing of legal documents.

Seal 'N Sign offers a variety of notary services, including mobile notarization, real estate document notarization, loan signings, and apostille services throughout Austin, Texas.

You will need to provide a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license or passport, to be notarized.

Our mobile notary service means we come to your location, whether it's your home, office, or another convenient place, to notarize your documents.

We offer flexible scheduling, including evening and weekend appointments to accommodate your busy lifestyle.