Apostilles and International Document Authentication
An apostille is a certification that authenticates a notary's signature for international use. Offering apostille services expands your market and increases fees.
Get the Complete Remote Notary Guide — Only $1.99
50-state coverage. Exact steps, state fees, portal links, and approved RON platforms. Everything you need to launch your notary career.
Buy the Full Guide — $1.99What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official certification from a country's Secretary of State (or equivalent authority) that verifies the authenticity of a notary's signature on a document. It's recognized by 178 Hague Convention countries and allows documents to be used internationally without additional legalization.
Which Documents Need Apostilles
Documents requiring apostilles for international use: birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, educational transcripts and diplomas, power of attorney for international use, business certificates of good standing, and any notarized document intended for use abroad in a Hague Convention country.
How to Obtain an Apostille
Process: (1) Get a notarized document, (2) Contact your state's Secretary of State office (most have online apostille services), (3) Submit the notarized document and fee ($10–$30 depending on state), (4) Receive the apostille (usually within 1–5 business days), (5) Keep original document and apostille together.
Offering Apostille Services
You can build a service where clients bring documents to be notarized and you handle the apostille request process. You don't obtain the apostille yourself—your state Secretary of State does—but you facilitate the client's request. This adds $25–$50 per document in service revenue.
International Markets
Target clients needing apostilles: expats relocating abroad, students studying internationally, business owners operating internationally, and families with cross-border relationships. Many are first-time notarization users—educate them about requirements and build long-term relationships.
Get the Complete Guide for $1.99
This article covers the overview. The complete guide goes much deeper — state-specific details, exact portal links, platform comparisons, and step-by-step checklists for every state.
Get the Complete Remote Notary Guide — Only $1.99
50-state coverage. Exact steps, state fees, portal links, and approved RON platforms. Everything you need to launch your notary career.
Instant PDF download • 50 states covered • Money-back guarantee
Available Now
Need a Document Notarized Right Now?
Connect with a licensed online notary via secure video call. Available 24/7, starting at $15 per stamp.