An apostille is a type of certification by a government agency, such as the US Department of State or the Secretary of State, authenticating your personal and commercial documents. This certification is often necessary for documents that are intended for use in foreign countries. The apostille ensures that the document is recognized as a legal and valid document in the foreign country. Its only function is to certify the authenticity of the signature of a document.
The Apostille is especially important for individuals who need to use public documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and academic transcripts, for official purposes in a foreign country. Without an apostille, these documents may not be recognized as legitimate, which can cause significant problems.
An apostille is important for couples who are looking to get married in a foreign country. Most countries require a valid marriage certificate, and if the certificate does not have an apostille, the marriage may not be recognized as legal. This can cause significant problems, especially if the couple needs to apply for a visa or citizenship in the foreign country.
Documents that may require an apostille certificate to be attached are:
- Diplomas
- Marriage certificates
- Birth certificates
- Criminal background checks
- Commercial documents
- Business agreements
- FDA, IRS, Certificate to Foreign Government, or other Federal Government issued documents
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