Frequently Asked Questions apostille appointment

1. I was told I need an apostille. What do I do first?
Contact us. We’ll review your document for free and guide you through the next steps based on your situation and destination country.

2. What is an apostille and why do I need one?
An apostille is a certification that makes your U.S. document valid for use in a foreign country that’s part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

3. How do I know if my document qualifies for an apostille?
We can help you verify. It depends on the document type — some require notarization, others must be certified by specific government agencies.

4. Do I need to get the document notarized first?
Sometimes. Birth, marriage, and death certificates usually don’t need notarization. Other documents might. We’ll let you know based on what you provide.

5. What countries accept apostilles?
Countries that are members of the Hague Convention. If your country isn't, we’ll advise you on embassy or consulate legalization instead.

6. Can I mail you the documents or does it have to be in person?
Yes, you can mail your documents. We also offer courier pickup or in-person appointments depending on your location and urgency.

7. How long does it take?
Standard: 1–2 weeks
Rush: 3–5 business days
Same-day or next-day services available (with courier fees).

8. How much does it cost?
Starts at $175 for the first document. Additional documents, translation, and rush services have separate fees.

9. Will you mail the completed apostille back to me?
Yes. We offer delivery options via standard mail, FedEx, or in-person drop-off for an additional fee.

10. What if my document is rejected? Do I get a refund?
No refunds are given if the rejection is due to incomplete or incorrect documents from the client. We verify everything beforehand to prevent that.

11. Are you a lawyer? Can you give legal advice?
No. We’re not attorneys and don’t give legal advice. Please consult an attorney if you need legal help.

1. What is a Notary Public?
A Notary Public is an official commissioned by the state to witness the signing of important documents, verify identities, and deter fraud.

2. What types of documents can be notarized?
Affidavits, Power of Attorney, Trusts, Loan Docs, School Forms, Parental Consent, Travel Authorizations, and more.

3. What do I need to bring to my notary appointment?
A valid, government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, etc.), and the unsigned document. You must sign in front of the notary.

4. Can you come to me?
Yes, we offer mobile notary services throughout the Bay Area. Travel fees apply and vary by distance.

5. How much does notary service cost?
General notarization: $15 per signature (per CA law).
Mobile services: additional $25–$75 depending on location and urgency.

6. Can you notarize a document in another language?
Yes — but the notary must be able to communicate with the signer directly. We don’t translate during notarization.

7. Do you notarize copies of IDs or vital records?
No. We can notarize a sworn affidavit stating that the copy is true and correct  but not the document itself.

8. What forms of payment do you accept?
Cash, Square, PayPal. Receipts are provided.

1. What is a certified translation?
It’s a word-for-word translation done by a qualified translator and signed with a certification statement — often required for legal or government use.

2. What types of documents do you translate?
Birth & marriage certificates, academic transcripts, diplomas, immigration forms, court records, and more.

3. What languages do you support?
We offer certified translation in 90+ languages. Contact us for availability and turnaround times.

4. How much does it cost?
Prices start at $75 for the first page. Additional pages are billed per page. Rush services are available for an added fee.

5. Do I need a translation for my apostille?
If your document is going to a non-English-speaking country, yes. Most foreign authorities require a certified translation.

6. Can you notarize the translation?
Yes we provide notarized certified translations when required by the receiving country.

7. Do you offer translation or interpretation services?
Yes, we offer professional translation assistance for Apostille-related documents. Certified translator statements, digital copies, and hard copies are available upon request. 

Feel free to call, text, or email us. We're happy to review your situation and guide you through the process.

 Disclaimer: Apostille Notary Pro is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We cannot determine the legal validity of your documents or advise you on legal matters. If you have legal questions, please consult an attorney.