Typically, documents submitted to foreign consulates or embassies must be accompanied by an apostille. Obtaining the apostille is often the first step when preparing any paperwork for consulates. So, what exactly is an apostille and how can you obtain one? In this article, we will explain what this document is, how it is used and how to obtain one.
An apostille is a certificate that authenticates a public document. It certifies a document so that countries that are part of the 1961 Hague Convention will recognize it. The Convention of 5 October 1961 Abolishing the Requirement of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents is an international treaty intended to simplify the process for accepting foreign documents in any of the countries that are part of the treaty. For example, a document issued in the United States that is accompanied by an apostille can be submitted in any other member country (e.g., Spain) and legally recognized there, and vice versa.
An apostille is often attached to official documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates or death certificates. Essentially, an apostille authenticates signatures or stamps on the original document. However, in order to be accepted by a foreign consulate or foreign country, the apostille must typically be translated, and in most cases, the translation must be sworn or certified.
Apostilles can only be issued by an official government body. They must be requested in the country or state in which the document was issued. In the United States, apostilles are issued by a Secretary of State in the case of state-specific documents. For example, a New York birth certificate must receive an apostille from the State of New York. In the case of a federal document, such as an FBI background check, the apostille must be obtained by the U.S. Department of State. If the original document is from a foreign country, it will be necessary to obtain the apostille from the foreign country in which the document was issued.
At CSH Translation, we can assist you with translating an apostille and any other document for submitting to foreign consulates. For questions, please contact us.