Your Trusted Partner for Apostille & Authentication Services
Apostille VS Authentication Services
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Apostille Services
Apostille Services provide official certification for public documents, ensuring they are authentic and legally recognized abroad. This process complies with The Hague Convention, which standardizes document verification for international use. Common documents that require an apostille include birth and marriage certificates, diplomas, legal contracts, notarized documents, and corporate records. To learn what countries are a part of The Hague, click the following link: https://www.hcch.net/en/states/hcch-members
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Authentication Services
Authentication is the process of verifying a public document's legitimacy for use in countries that are not members of the Hague Convention. Unlike an apostille—which is used for countries that recognize The Hague standards—authentication requires additional certification by a state or federal agency and, in some cases, further endorsement by the destination country’s embassy or consulate. Common documents that may require authentication include academic transcripts, legal contracts, and government records. At Savvy Notary Pro, we guide you through the authentication process to ensure your documents meet all necessary international requirements.
Need an Apostille for International Use? We Make the Process Easy!
An Apostille certifies your documents for use in foreign countries under the Hague Apostille Convention. Whether you’re handling business contracts, immigration documents, or academic credentials, we ensure your documents are processed quickly and correctly.
The Apostille process broken down in 5 easy steps:
Step 1: Gather Your Documents (Birth Certificate, Marriage License, Diplomas, etc.)
Step 2: Notarization (if required)
Step 3: Submission to the Secretary of State or U.S. Department of State
Step 4: Apostille Authentication & Certification
Step 5: Documents are returned to you
Documents That Need an Apostille
Personal Documents: Birth & Marriage Certificates, Divorce Decrees,
Power of Attorney and Affidavits
Business & Legal Documents: Articles of Incorporation, Business Agreements, Contracts and Trademarks
Educational Documents: Diplomas & Transcripts and Teaching Certifications
Travel & Immigration Documents: FBI Background Checks, Passport Copies and Adoption Papers
Need Authentication for Non-Hague Countries? We Handle the Process for You!
Authentication is the process of verifying a public document's legitimacy for use in countries that are not members of The Hague Convention. Unlike an apostille, authentication requires additional certification by a state or federal agency, and in some cases, further endorsement by the destination country’s embassy or consulate.
Our Authentication Process:
The Apostille process broken down in 5 easy steps:
Step 1: Initial Verification: Ensure the document is properly notarized and meets government standards.
Step 2: State & Federal Certification: Submitted for authentication at the required level (state or federal).
Step 3: Embassy or Consulate Legalization: If required, the document is sent to the destination country’s diplomatic office.
Step 4: Final Delivery: Secure return of your authenticated documents.
FAQs
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If your document originates from another state, it must be authenticated by the Secretary of State of the issuing statebefore proceeding with federal authentication or embassy legalization if required.
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Yes, these documents must be certified copies issued by the County Clerk, Local Registrar, or the Illinois Department of Public Health's Vital Records Division.
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No. Do not remove Apostille or Certificate once they are attached to your document. Removal of the authentication will invalidate the Apostille or Certificate.
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No. The Secretary of State does not translate documents. When a translation is required, you need to have the document translated and have the translation notarized. You may then apply for an authentication of the notary public’s authority.