FAQs

What fees are involved?

Please refer to the information we provided in our Rates & Fees section.

What forms of payment does the office accept?

We accept most forms of payment, including Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover, PayPal, Cashier’s Check or Money Order (made out to Valley Apostille, Inc.).

What are the expected turnaround times?

Please see Rates and Fees section for all expected turnaround times. You are welcome to contact us for status at any time.

What is an Apostille?

An Apostille is a certification from a U.S. Federal or State government that allows a document from that office to be accepted in any of the countries that have signed The Hague Apostille Convention adopted on October 5th, 1961. In the United States this typically is the Secretary of State in each U.S. state or the U.S. Department of State (for Federal Documents).

What does it mean to authenticate a document?

Verification of the genuineness of a document or signature, to make it effective or valid. It usually takes the form of a sealed or stamped certificate that confirms the authority of a public official (such as judge or a notary public) or of a signatory.

What types of documents can be Authenticated?

Examples of common documents that require authentication/apostille certification include Adoption, Birth, Death, Marriage and Divorce Certificates, Educational Documents, and Personal or Corporate legal documents to name a few. Note: Authentication requirements vary depending upon the Foreign Embassy or Consulate of the country of use.

What are the main steps for document authentication?

The main (common) steps for document authentications are: Notary, State Authentication, and Consulate Authentication. Briefly, for non-government documents such as affidavit, power of attorney, bank letter, etc., a notary public must notarize the document first (for government documents such as birth certificates, good standing certificates, etc., you will need to obtain a certified copy from the state; notary is not required). The State Authentication Office must then certify the notary seal or the certified copy by adding a statement page with big state seal. Some states require county clerk to certify the notary seal first. Federal document and document issued in DC jurisdiction* will require further authentication from the U.S. Department of State. Finally, a Foreign Embassy or Consulate will verify signatures and seals from the Secretary of State Office. Once verified, the Foreign Embassy or Consulate official will add the authentication seal and signature to the document and it will be authorized for use.

Who benefits from our Authentication Services?

Anyone traveling or moving to another country. A few examples include, individuals or families relocating due to a job, Corporations opening new branches or offices in other countries, teachers who will be teaching ESL in foreign countries, and individuals who need to present U.S. issued documents to Government Authorities in another country.

What countries do you provide Authentication services for?

While we operate within the United States, we do provide authentication services for all Countries, including all 50 U.S. States.

How do I know if my documents need Apostille or Authentication?

Please refer to the information we provided under our Apostille or Authentication. Let us know if you have specific questions, we are here to help throughout the process and will respond promptly.

How are the required certifications obtained?

The certifications are obtained by following the State and/or the Federal authentication process. The documents are submitted in person to the required Departments and Foreign Embassies (where applicable) which are located in Washington DC. For Embassies and authorities located outside of Washington DC, we mail documents to the relevant offices.

How do you make the process easier?

Our customers’ satisfaction comes first. We give our clients a step-by-step explanation of the process and we handle these steps for you. Various government agencies and embassies have their own requirements, and if something is not correctly done, there could be a delay or rejection with the documents — but with us taking care of the process, you don’t have to worry about that! Check out what our clients are saying about us.

Do I need to find out the required process to get my documents certified?

We do all of the legwork to find the requirements for getting your documents certified based on the information you provide us. Once you send us the required documents and supporting paperwork, we will initiate the process on your documents.

Is my personal information protected?

Yes, we value our clients’ confidentiality. Your information will always be handled in a safe and secure manner.

How do I initiate the order process?

You will need to contact us and let us know the type of documents you have been asked to submit to the authorities in the destination country. Once you let us know the type of documents and country they need to be submitted in, we will reply with a confirmation email, the approximate time to complete the process, and a quote. Visit our How to Order page for a step-by-step breakdown of the process (this page also includes a link to the Order Form).

I am located outside the United States. How are my originals and final authenticated documents returned to me?

International mailing can be arranged for destinations outside the U.S.

Can I pay for the order by sending cash along with my documents?

No, as per regulations please do not send cash for payment purposes along with your documents. Payments can be made securely online (we accept all major credit/debit card) or in the form of Cashier’s Check or Money Order.

How long does it take to get documents certified?

The time to get documents processed differs based on the type of documents and the country the documents are to be used in (whether they require an apostille or authentication). The timelines quoted are estimates and there could be delays based on several factors which include: processing times at the Embassies and Government Departments, weather related closings, national and religious holidays, mail or shipping delays, etc.

Do I need to include a separate check or money order for payment to the U.S. Department of State or other agencies?

No, you can pay us the total amount quoted to you and we will pay the fees for the applicable agencies.

Do I need to fill out the application forms for the U.S. Department of State Certification?

No, we will prepare the application form for the U.S. State Department on your behalf.

Can I send documents on behalf of my friend or a relative to your address or do they have to fill the order form?

Yes, you can send documents to us on behalf of someone else. You can fill in your name, address and sign the order form.

How long does it take to get documents certified?

The time to get documents processed differs based on the type of documents and the country the documents are to be used in (whether they require an apostille or authentication). The timelines quoted are estimates and there could be delays based on several factors which include: processing times at the Embassies and Government Departments, weather related closings, national and religious holidays, mail or shipping delays, etc.

How Can We Help?

Send us a message if you have a question that wasn’t covered or need help completing a form. You will always receive a prompt and friendly response.

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  • Document Certification/Apostille

  • Business Formation/Corporate Filing

  • Document Translation