I was told that I need an apostille. What is an apostille? When someone is told they need an apostille the first thing they usually think is “what is an apostille?”. Well, an apostille is simply a way to certify that a document from one country is valid in another country – this is similar to how a notarization works within domestic law. The Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalisa
tion for Foreign Public Documents, the Apostille Convention, or the Apostille Treaty is an international treaty drafted by the Hague Conference on Private International Law. Thanks to this Hague Convention of 1961, an Apostille helps by abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents. The sole function of the Apostille is to certify the authenticity of the signature on the document; the capacity in which the person signing the document acted; and the identity of any stamp or seal affixed to the document. What is an apostille used for? Legal documents provided within a country are generally only valid in that country unless apostilled by someone with the authority to do so in the home country. This is true for almost every kind of legal document from documents as simple as birth certificates all the way to major corporate tax and business documentation. Apostilles are used to prove to country A that a document from country B is valid. For example, let’s say that a person is from the United States and wants to go to Mexico to live for a period of time. At some point, the person may need to prove that his/her United States Birth Certificate is authentic – this person needs an apostille. Now the next time someone says “you need an apostille” you’ll know a little more and may not need to ask “what is an apostille?”. Contact us today for all your apostille needs. We help clients across the United States with their apostille needs. Click on the map to learn more. SOS Apostilles can handle all requests to apostille California documents. We guide you through the apostille preparation process and help with all the necessary documentation required for California documents. We are experts in the field and know exactly what is required to get the correct certification for your important documents quickly. To apostille California documents several measures must be taken. The California documents must be certified by a professional that is recognized by the California Secretary of State. The certification process is quick if it is done by a professional with the experience and knowledge that is offered by SOS Apostilles. To apostille California documents there are just two steps that need to be taken:
Check that the country where you intend to use your documents is a part of the Hague Convention. Here is the list of countries. Follow the instructions on the order form page and submit your documents to SOS Apostilles! Helpful Info To Apostille California documents
Apostilles and Certifications only certify to the authenticity of the signature of the official who signed the document, the capacity in which that official acted, and when appropriate, the identity of the seal or stamp which the document bears. The Apostille or Certification does not validate the contents of the document. When you apostille California documents the original document signatures must be issued in the State of California signed by a notary public or the following public officials and their deputies:
County Clerks or Recorders
Court Administrators of the Superior Court
Executive Clerks of the Superior Court
Officers whose authority is not limited to any particular county
Executive Officers of the Superior Court
Judges of the Superior Court
State Officials
