---
title: "How to Get International Documents | Apostille Guide"
description: "Learn how to authenticate documents for international use. Step-by-step guide covering Apostilles, embassy legalization, and document certification."
lang: en
json-ld:
---

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Document Guide 

# How to Get International Documents

Authenticate documents for use abroad with Apostilles and embassy legalization. Navigate the international certification process step by step.

12 min read 

Authentication 

120+ countries 

## Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to authenticate documents for international use.

1

### Determine Document Requirements

Understand what's needed for international use:

Common Documents Requiring Authentication:

• Birth, death, and marriage certificates

• Educational transcripts and diplomas

• Corporate documents (articles, good standing)

• Power of attorney

• Agency documents and judgments

• FBI background checks

Types of Authentication:

• Apostille (for Hague Convention countries)

• Embassy legalization (non-Hague countries)

• Notarization and certification

Questions to Answer:

• Which country will receive the document?

• What's the document's purpose (immigration, business)?

• Is translation required?

• Are certified copies acceptable or originals only?

2

### Obtain the Source Document

Get the original or certified copy first:

Vital Records:

• Order from state vital records office

• Request certified copy with registrar's signature

• Long-form certificates often required

Educational Documents:

• Request from school registrar

• Must be on school letterhead with seal

• Some require notarization first

Corporate Documents:

• Obtain from Secretary of State

• Certificate of Good Standing

• Certified articles of incorporation

Important: Documents must be recent—many countries require documents dated within 6-12 months.

3

### Check Hague Convention Status

Determine the authentication path based on destination country:

Hague Convention Countries (120+ members):

• Require Apostille only

• No embassy legalization needed

• Faster, simpler process

• List includes most of Europe, Latin America, Asia

Non-Hague Countries:

• Require embassy/consulate legalization

• Multi-step authentication chain

• Longer processing time

• Countries include: Canada, China, UAE, Egypt

Verify at the Hague Conference website or destination country's embassy for current requirements.

Some countries have additional requirements beyond Apostille.

4

### Complete Required Certifications

Documents often need certification before Apostille:

Notarization:

• Required for many document types

• Notary must be commissioned in issuing state

• Some documents need county clerk certification after

County Clerk Certification:

• Verifies notary's commission

• Required in some states before state Apostille

• Fee typically $5-$15

State Certification:

• Secretary of State certifies state-issued documents

• Required for documents from state agencies

• Precedes Apostille in authentication chain

Authentication Chain Order:

1\. Notarization (if needed)

2\. County certification (some states)

3\. State certification or Apostille

4\. Embassy legalization (non-Hague only)

5

### Obtain the Apostille

Request Apostille from the appropriate authority:

State-Issued Documents:

• Secretary of State handles Apostilles

• Submit document with completed request form

• Pay required fee ($5-$25 per document)

• Processing: 5-15 business days typically

Federal Documents:

• U.S. Department of State Authentications Office

• FBI background checks require State Dept. Apostille

• Longer processing time (several weeks)

Submission Methods:

• Mail (most common)

• In-person (some states, appointments may be needed)

• Expedited services (additional fee)

The Apostille certificate is attached to your document and certifies its authenticity for international use.

6

### Embassy Legalization (If Required)

For non-Hague countries, complete embassy legalization:

After Apostille/Authentication:

• Contact destination country's embassy or consulate

• Obtain their specific requirements

• Some require appointments

Common Embassy Requirements:

• Completed application form

• Original authenticated document

• Passport copy

• Fee payment (varies by country)

• Processing time: 3-15 business days

Translation Requirements:

• Many countries require certified translation

• Translator may need certification or notarization

• Translation must accompany original

Work With Professionals:

• Document authentication services handle all steps

• Ensures correct procedures for each country

• Saves time navigating complex requirements

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What's the difference between Apostille and legalization?

An Apostille is a simplified certification recognized among Hague Convention member countries—one step completes authentication. Legalization is the traditional process for non-Hague countries, requiring embassy or consulate verification after state certification. Both verify document authenticity for international use.

### How long does international document authentication take?

Timing varies by document type and destination. Apostille alone typically takes 5-15 business days. Embassy legalization adds 3-15 business days. Federal documents (FBI checks) may take several weeks. Rush services can expedite the process for additional fees.

### Can photocopies be apostilled?

Generally, no. Apostilles must be placed on original documents or certified copies issued by the original agency. However, some states allow notarized copies to receive Apostilles for certain document types. Check with the Secretary of State for specific requirements.

### Do translated documents need Apostilles?

Typically, the original document receives the Apostille, and the translation is attached. Some countries may require the translation to be notarized and potentially apostilled separately. Verify requirements with the destination country's embassy.

## Need International Document Services?

We handle Apostilles, embassy legalization, and complete international document authentication for any destination country.

[International Document Services](/services/international-documents)[Call 833-725-5800](tel:833-725-5800)

**Disclaimer:** This guide is for informational purposes only. International document requirements vary by country and change frequently. Verify current requirements with the destination country's embassy.

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