Apostille a Notarized Document: Fast “True Copy” Apostille for Any Notarized Paper

Need to apostille a notarized document so it’s valid overseas? You’re in exactly the right place. We specialize in securing anapostille on notarized documents of every type — from powers of attorney, affidavits, and company resolutions, tobank/CPA letters, education credential packets, and translator affidavits. We also handle“true copy” apostilles — where a notary certifies that a copy is a true and correct reproduction of an original — so thatcopies of passports, driver’s licenses, diplomas, and other records can be accepted abroad without you risking the originals.

This guide explains exactly how apostilles work for notarized documents, what “true copy” means, how to prepare your paperwork correctly,common pitfalls, timelines, and how our team can file your apostille in person for the fastest possible turnaround.

Quick Answer

• Yes — we can get a “true copy” apostille on any notarized document. If an official won’t certify a copy directly, we use anotary-backed method (e.g., copy certification by document custodian) so the copy is a notarized document eligible for apostille.
• Any properly notarized document can be apostilled. The apostille verifies the notary’s commission and signature — not the document’s content.
• Fastest route: We pre-check your notarization, file in person with the appropriate state authority, and send same-day scans.
• Flat pricing: $145 per document, all government fees included. U.S. shipping optional ($20). International by quote.

What Is an Apostille for a Notarized Document?

An apostille is a one-page international certificate (under the 1961 Hague Convention) that authenticates the signature and capacityof the person who signed your document — for notarized items, that means your notary public. The apostille does not judge the content of yourdocument; it confirms that the notary is real, properly commissioned, and the signature on the notarial certificate is genuine. Once the apostille is attached,your notarized document is accepted abroad in other Hague-member countries without a trip to a consulate.

For non-Hague destinations, the state issues a similar authentication, followed by consular legalization. We handle both pathways.

What Is a “True Copy” Apostille?

Many clients don’t want to mail an original passport, driver’s license, or diploma overseas. The solution is a “true copy” apostille.Here’s how it works in practice:

1. You (or a custodian) present the original document to a notary.
2. The notary either performs a copy certification (where allowed) or executes aCopy Certification by Document Custodian — an affidavit where the holder swears the attached copy is true, complete, and accurate.
3. Now you have a notarized document (the certificate/affidavit with the copy attached). We apostille that notarized document.

End result: you can use a notarized copy with an apostille abroad, while your original stays safe with you. This approach is accepted by schools,banks, employers, and civil registries worldwide that request apostilled copies of identity documents, diplomas, transcripts, or licenses.

When You Need an Apostille on a Notarized Document

• Power of Attorney (POA) to buy/sell property overseas or authorize a relative or attorney to act on your behalf.
• Affidavits & Declarations for immigration files, university admissions, scholarship proofs, or benefits.
• Employment & Experience Letters notarized by HR or a supervisor, requested by licensing boards abroad.
• Copy of Passport, Driver’s License, or ID using a notarized true copy method to satisfy KYC and onboarding checks.
• Diplomas, Transcripts & Syllabi handled as notarized registrar packets or true copies with a registrar/notary affidavit.
• Corporate Authorizations — board resolutions, incumbency certificates, or officer statements notarized for banks/registries.
• Translator’s Affidavit attesting to the accuracy of a translation you need to submit abroad.

Eligible Notarized Documents

If it’s properly notarized in a U.S. state/territory, we can apostille it. Common examples include:

• General or specific Power of Attorney (property sales, inheritance, banking).
• Affidavits of support, single status/no impediment, residency, relationship, or name usage.
• Copy certifications for passports, driver’s licenses, green cards, SSN cards, marriage/divorce certs (via custodian affidavit if direct copy certification is restricted).
• Academic packets (registrar letter + attached diploma/transcript) or true copy sets.
• Business documents — resolutions, consents, beneficiary/UBO statements, compliance letters, shareholder lists.
• Financial/CPA letters, income verification, or balance confirmations when notarized.
• Medical/Professional letters (where permissible), supervisor attestations, or licensure verifications with notarized signatures.
• Translator affidavits accompanying certified translations.

Getting the Notarization Right (So the Apostille Sticks)

The apostille authority checks the notary’s signature and commission. If the notarial certificate is incomplete or non-compliant, the state will reject it.Use this pre-flight checklist to avoid delays:

• Venue (State and County) is filled in on the notarial certificate.
• Date of the notarial act is present and matches the signer appearance.
• Certificate type: acknowledgment or jurat, as appropriate for your document. (Affidavits typically use a jurat.)
• Signer’s name appears consistently throughout and matches ID.
• Notary name printed, with original signature and seal/stamp.
• Commission details (number/expiration) per state rules.
• For true copies, use either copy certification language allowed in that state or thedocument-custodian affidavit stating “the attached is a true, exact, and complete copy of the original.”
• Staples intact. Do not detach or re-staple; it can void the notarization or certification.

State vs. Federal Apostille

Apostilles for notarized documents are state processes — each state apostilles the notaries it commissions. If a document is notarized in California,the California Secretary of State issues the apostille. If the notarization was performed in Texas, the Texas Secretary of State issues it, etc.

Federal apostilles (by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.) apply to federal documents (e.g., FBI background checks). If you’re not sure whether yourdocument is state or federal, we’ll route it correctly.

Step-by-Step: How to Apostille a Notarized Document

1. Prepare the notarized document
   • For originals (e.g., POA, affidavit): sign in front of a notary using correct certificate wording.
   • For true copies: attach a clear copy to a notary certificate or a custodian affidavit; notarize the custodian’s signature.
2. We pre-check for apostille readiness
   • We verify the notary block, seal, commission, and staple integrity.
   • If your destination needs special phrases, we’ll suggest exact wording.
3. We file with the correct state authority
   • In person for speed (where available) or by priority submission.
   • We monitor, fix issues on the spot, and avoid re-queues.
4. Same-day scans
   • We email a PDF scan of the apostille packet the same day it’s issued so you can upload to portals or share with the recipient.
5. Shipping (optional)
   • U.S. shipping $20 flat. International courier by quote.

Timelines, Pricing & What to Expect

Turnaround: DIY mail-in typically takes 4–6+ weeks due to mail time, queues, and corrections. With our in-person filing and readiness checks,same-day or 24-hour apostilles are frequently achievable once we have your properly notarized document in hand.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Missing or broken staples. Never remove staples from notarized packets or apostilled sets.
• Incorrect certificate type. Affidavits usually need a jurat (oath). Using the wrong certificate can cause rejection.
• No venue, date, or commission info. Apostille offices are strict about complete notary certificates.
• Assuming any copy can be certified directly. For restricted documents, use the custodian affidavit route so the copy becomes a notarized document eligible for apostille.
• RON where not accepted. Some foreign agencies still require wet-ink notarizations. Ask us before choosing RON.
• Sending federal items to a state office. FBI reports and certain federal letters must be apostilled by the U.S. Department of State.
• Translating too early. Some recipients want translations made after apostille. Others accept a translator affidavit that is notarized and apostilled. We’ll advise the sequence.

FAQ: Apostilling Notarized & True-Copy Documents

Can you apostille a notarized copy of my passport or driver’s license?

Yes. We do this every day using either a direct copy-certification (where permitted) or a notarized custodian affidavit attached to the copy. In both cases, the resulting notarized document is fully eligible for apostille.

What if my state doesn’t allow notaries to certify certain copies?

No problem. We use a Copy Certification by Document Custodian — you swear the copy is true and complete; the notary notarizes your signature. That notarized affidavit with the copy attached is what we apostille.

Do I need to mail the original document?

For powers of attorney or affidavits, yes — the original notarized paper is needed for apostille. For IDs and diplomas, we typically apostille a notarized true copy so your original stays safe.

My document was notarized in a different state than where I live. Is that okay?

Yes. Each state apostilles documents notarized by its own commissioned notaries. We’ll file in the state of notarization.

Will a scan be enough for my overseas recipient?

Often yes — many universities, banks, and portals accept scans immediately. Originals may still be required later. We provide same-day scans and can ship the originals as needed.

Does an apostille expire?

The apostille itself doesn’t expire, but many agencies abroad want both the notarization and the apostille issued within the last 60–90 days. If you’re close to your deadline, we’ll time it right.

Can you handle non-Hague countries?

Yes. We obtain a state authentication first and then complete consular legalization. We’ll guide the translation and appointment steps.

What if my notarization was done online (RON)?

Many destinations accept RON, but some still insist on wet-ink. Tell us the country and purpose; we’ll advise the safest format and route.

Can you coordinate translations?

Absolutely. We can arrange certified translations or a translator’s affidavit (notarized and apostilled) depending on your recipient’s rules.

Disclaimer: This guide outlines common practices for apostilling notarized documents in U.S. states and territories. Specific requirements vary by state and destination country and may change without notice. We’ll route your documents correctly and advise on wording, sequence, and translation based on your use case.