Apostille is a certification that establishes the authenticity of a document for use abroad. It generally takes the form of a sticker that is affixed to the document.
The Apostille Convention was adopted by the United Nations in 1961 and signed by 101 countries, including the United States. The purpose of this convention was to simplify the process required to obtain authentication of documents in foreign countries.
Apostilles are issued by an authorized officer at one of several designated government agencies and then affixed to a foreign-language document before being submitted for authentication. The official stamp or seal binds the document with its original signature, making it valid for use in any other country that has ratified the relevant treaty.
Many countries have established procedures for issuing apostilles on documents issued in their respective countries; however, even if you have an apostille from another country, you may still need to obtain another certificate from your home state before submitting your application abroad.
The process of obtaining an apostille is generally similar to that of getting a notarized signature. You must first find an official from the appropriate agency and request that he or she affix their stamp or seal to your document; this may require a fee. The official then reviews your application and affixes his or her signature above the stamp so that it can be used as verification by foreign authorities.
In some cases, you may also need to obtain a notarized signature from the official. This may be required if your application is for a legal document or if you plan to submit it abroad; if this is the case, then you should ask the official about his or her requirements before proceeding with the process.
Apostille in Houston
If you need an document apostilled in Houston urgently, there are professional Houston TX apostille services that can help you. The professionals at Houston Apostille will ensure that your document is properly prepared, reviewed and signed by a notary public in order to meet the requirements of foreign governments. They can also provide certified copies of your documents as well as translations into multiple languages.