An apostille might sound like a strange word if you have never needed one before. But if you are moving abroad, working internationally, or doing business with another country, an apostille is essential. In Austin, getting an apostille is easier than you think.
**What Is an Apostille?**
An apostille is a special certificate that certifies the origin of a document. It is issued by a government office, usually the Secretary of State. An apostille confirms that a document is authentic and that the person who signed it had the authority to do so.
Apostilles are required for documents used internationally. If you need to use an American document in another country, that country usually requires an apostille. Countries that have joined the Hague Convention accept apostilles as proof that a document is genuine.
**What Is the Difference Between an Apostille and Notarization?**
Many people confuse apostilles and notarization, but they are different. A notary public witnesses your signature and verifies your identity. An apostille is added by a government official to certify that the notarization or signature is authentic.
Think of it this way. When a notary notarizes your document, they add their seal and signature. When you get an apostille, the Secretary of State adds their seal and signature to confirm that the notary was real and that the notarization was done properly.
If you need a document for use in another country, you usually need both notarization and an apostille.
**What Documents Can Be Apostilled?**
Most documents can be apostilled. Birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, powers of attorney, wills, business licenses, educational diplomas. If a government office issued it or a notary notarized it, it can probably be apostilled.
**How Long Does an Apostille Take in Texas?**
This depends on how you apply. If you go in person to the Texas Secretary of State office in Austin, you can get an apostille the same day. It takes just a few minutes.
If you mail in your request, it usually takes 5 to 10 business days. If you use an expedited service, you might get it in 2 to 3 days but you will pay an extra fee.
**How to Get an Apostille in Austin**
The Texas Secretary of State office is in Austin at 1100 San Jacinto Street. If you need an apostille, you can go there in person. Bring your original document and your ID. Ask at the service desk about apostilles. They will direct you to the right department. The fee is 5 dollars per apostille.
Bring cash or a check. Some locations accept card payments but it is safer to bring cash.
**Getting an Apostille by Mail**
You can also request an apostille by mail. Send your original document to the Texas Secretary of State. Include a letter explaining what you need. Include the fee of 5 dollars. Make the check payable to the Texas Secretary of State. Mail it to 1100 San Jacinto Street, Austin, TX 78701.
You will get your apostille back in 5 to 10 business days. This method works well if you cannot visit Austin in person.
**Do You Need a Notary Before an Apostille?**
It depends. If you are apostilling a document that was already notarized, no additional notarization is needed. The Secretary of State will add an apostille to the existing notarization.
If you have a document that needs to be notarized before it can be apostilled, then yes, you need a notary first. A mobile notary in Austin can handle this. They will notarize your document, then you take it to get apostilled.
**Using a Professional Service**
If you find this process confusing, you can hire a professional service. Some attorneys, notaries, and document services offer apostille help. They will take your document to the Secretary of State for you and bring back the apostille. This is faster than mailing it yourself.
The cost is higher than doing it yourself, but for busy professionals it might be worth it.
**Why You Need an Apostille**
If you are moving to another country, you need apostilles for important documents. If you are getting married in another country, you need an apostille on your birth certificate and possibly other documents. If you are doing business internationally, apostilles prove that your business documents are genuine.
**Get Your Documents Apostilled in Austin**
Need an apostille for your documents? Our mobile notary team in Austin can help. We can notarize your document if needed, and guide you through the apostille process. We understand international requirements and we make sure your documents are properly prepared. Call us today to discuss your needs.