Whether you’re applying for a visa, studying abroad, getting married in another country, or conducting global business, you’ll likely encounter the need for an Apostille. But what exactly is an apostille, why is it required, and how can you get one efficiently?

At Rais Apostille, we specialize in helping individuals and businesses across the United States legalize documents for international recognition. Our goal is to simplify the process so that your documents are properly certified—quickly, securely, and without errors.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is a form of authentication issued to documents for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. It verifies that a document was issued by a recognized authority and that its signature or seal is genuine.

Once a document has been apostilled, it is considered legally valid in any other Hague Convention country without the need for further legalization or embassy verification.

Why You Might Need an Apostille

You may need to apostille your documents if you are:

• Applying for a visa or residency abroad

• Getting married in a foreign country

• Enrolling in a foreign school or university

• Seeking employment overseas

• Conducting international business

• Adopting a child from another country

• Submitting legal documents to a foreign court

Without an apostille, your documents may be rejected by international authorities, causing delays or denials in your application or legal process.

Countries That Accept Apostilles

Over 120 countries recognize apostilles through the Hague Convention. Some of the most common destinations include:

• India

• France

• Germany

• Spain

• Italy

• Mexico

• Portugal

• South Korea

• Netherlands

• Australia

• Colombia

If the country you’re dealing with is not a member of the Hague Convention (e.g., China, UAE, Egypt), you will need embassy or consular legalization instead. Rais Apostille also offers this service.

Documents That Can Be Apostilled

We handle a wide range of documents at Rais Apostille, including:

Personal Documents

• Birth certificates

• Marriage certificates

• Death certificates

• Divorce decrees

• Affidavits

• Powers of attorney

• Police clearance certificates

Educational Documents

• Diplomas

• Degrees

• Transcripts

• Academic certifications

• Enrollment verifications

Corporate & Legal Documents

• Articles of incorporation

• Certificates of good standing

• Commercial invoices

• Business contracts

• Court orders

• Adoption paperwork

Each document type has specific requirements depending on the issuing state and the destination country. We help ensure your documents meet those requirements.

How the Apostille Process Works

The apostille process can vary slightly by state, but generally follows these steps:

Step 1: Document Review

We begin by reviewing your documents to ensure they are eligible for apostille and advising if notarization or additional verification is needed.

Step 2: Notarization (if required)

Some documents must be notarized before an apostille can be issued. Rais Apostille offers mobile and remote notarization services for your convenience.

Step 3: Submission to the Secretary of State

Once the documents are ready, we submit them to the appropriate state or federal authority for apostille certification.

Step 4: Apostille Issuance

The Secretary of State or U.S. Department of State will issue the apostille, which is usually a stamp, sticker, or separate sheet attached to your original document.

Step 5: Delivery

We return the apostilled documents to you via secure courier—anywhere in the U.S. or internationally.

Apostille Processing Time

Processing times vary depending on the state and the type of document:

• Standard Service: 3–7 business days

• Expedited Service: 1–2 business days in eligible states

• Federal Documents: 7–15 business days

Rais Apostille offers same-day and 24-hour apostille services in select locations for urgent requests.

Apostille vs. Notarization

Many people confuse notarization with apostille, but they serve different purposes:

Often, a document must be notarized first before it can be apostilled.

Apostille and Certified Translation

If your destination country doesn’t use English as its official language, you may also need a certified translation of your apostilled document. Rais Apostille provides:

• Certified translations in 100+ languages

• Notarized translations (if required)

• Translations bundled with apostille service

• Fast turnaround (1–3 business days)

This ensures your documents are fully compliant with international submission requirements.

Why Choose Rais Apostille?

At Rais Apostille, we make the apostille process easy and stress-free. Here’s what sets us apart:

Nationwide Coverage

We process documents from all 50 U.S. states and the U.S. Department of State.

Fast Turnaround

From standard to 24-hour services, we accommodate your timeline and needs.

Secure and Confidential

We prioritize the safe handling of personal, legal, and business documents with full tracking.

All-in-One Solution

We offer notarization, apostille, translation, and legalization under one roof—saving you time and reducing the chance of errors.

Real-Time Support

Our team provides regular updates and is available to answer your questions from start to finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the cost of apostille services?

Prices vary depending on the state, document type, processing time, and any additional services (like notarization or translation). Contact us for a clear, itemized quote.

2. Can I apostille a scanned or photocopied document?

No. The apostille must be applied to an original or a certified copy issued by the appropriate authority. We can help you obtain certified copies if needed.

3. Do I need an apostille if I’m staying in the U.S.?

No. Apostilles are only required for documents being used abroad in Hague Convention countries.

4. What if the destination country is not part of the Hague Convention?

You will need embassy or consular legalization. Rais Apostille provides both apostille and non-Hague document legalization services.

5. How do I know if my document is eligible?

Contact our team. We offer a free document assessment to verify eligibility and walk you through the exact steps needed.

Ready to Start Your Apostille Process?

Whether you’re an individual, student, legal professional, or business owner, Rais Apostille is here to simplify your document legalization journey. We offer trusted, fast, and nationwide apostille services tailored to your needs and deadlines.

Start your apostille request today and ensure your documents are ready for legal use—anywhere in the world.