An "apostille" is an authentication issued to documents for use in countries that participate in the Hague Convention of October 5,1961.
If the country of intended use does not participate in the Hague Convention, documents being sent to that country may obtain a Certificate of Authentication.
Athena's Notary can help you keep your peace of mind by obtaining the correct documents and authentication for your documentation.
In Washington State, an apostille is an official certification that verifies the authenticity of documents used in foreign countries that are part of the Hague Convention. An apostille authenticates documents such as birth, death, marriage, divorce certificates, and notarized documents. It confirms that the document was issued by a recognized authority in Washington State.
Document Requirements: You need an original, unaltered, certified copy of the document that is notarized by a Washington State notary public.
Athena's Notary can obtain and assist with the Apostille Authentication Request Form. Provide the name of the country where the document will be used and your contact information. Regular Requests are typically processed within 7 to 9 business days. Expedited Service is available for an additional fee and allows for same-day processing.
Apostilles are not valid for use within the United States.
If the document is intended for a country that is not a member of the Hague Convention, additional authentication may be required from the U.S. Department of State.
If you have any specific questions about the apostille process or need assistance with a particular document, feel free to ask!
Call or Text Athena's Notary & Officiate at (253)213-4739