Apostille Services FAQ
What documents can be apostilled?
We commonly handle:
Birth, death, and marriage certificates
School transcripts and diplomas
Powers of attorney and estate planning documents
FBI and state background checks
Business and corporate records
Notarized letters and affidavits
Do documents need to be notarized first?
Some documents—especially personal and business records—must be notarized before they can be apostilled. However, state-issued records such as certified vital records (birth, marriage, or death certificates) typically do not require notarization.
How long does the apostille process take?
Processing times vary depending on the document type and issuing authority:
Rush requests: same-day to 72 hours (when available)
Standard state processing: 1–3 weeks
Federal documents, such as FBI background checks, may take longer
Can a copy of a document be apostilled?
Only certified or notarized copies can be apostilled. Regular photocopies without certification or notarization will not qualify.
Can you apostille a document from any state?
No. Apostilles must be issued by the Secretary of State (or equivalent authority) in the state where the document originated. For example, an Illinois birth certificate must be apostilled in Illinois.
What is the difference between an apostille and legalization?
An apostille is used for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. Legalization is required for non-member countries and typically involves additional steps, such as certification by the U.S. Department of State and the foreign embassy or consulate.
Do you handle the entire process for me?
Yes. At Kurated Notary Solutions, we offer full-service apostille support, including notarization (when required), document preparation, submission to the proper authority, and return shipping. We make the process fast, professional, and hassle-free.