Apostille & Document Authentication Services
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an international certificate issued under the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. It verifies the authenticity of a public document so it can be legally recognized in another member country.
Care Mobile Notary provides complete guidance and facilitation for Arizona-issued,
notarized, and federal documents that require apostilles or embassy legalization.
1. StateIssued & Notarized Documents (NonFederal)
Most documents clients bring you fall into this category. These include:
- Arizona vital records: birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Court documents: adoption decrees, divorce decrees, judgments
- Educational documents: Diplomas, transcripts, enrollment letters
- Business documents: Articles of incorporation, operating agreements
- Notarized documents: Powers of attorney, affidavits, consent forms, contracts
If the destination country is a Hague Convention member
These documents receive an apostille from the Arizona Secretary of State (or the issuing state’s competent authority).
If the destination country is NOT a Hague Convention member, these documents cannot receive an apostille. Instead, they follow a three-step
authentication process:
1. State Authentication The Arizona Secretary of State issues a Certificate of
Authentication (not an apostille).
2. (Sometimes required) U.S. Department of State Authentication. Some
non-Hague countries require federal authentication even for state documents.
3. Embassy or Consulate Legalization The destination country’s embassy or
consulate in the U.S. must legalize the document. Each embassy has its own
fees, forms, and processing times.
2. Federal Documents
Federal documents cannot be apostilled by any state. They must be authenticated at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.
Examples include:
- FBI background checks
- Certificates of Naturalization
- Social Security Administration letters
- IRS Form 6166
- USDA or FDA documents
- Any document issued by a federal agency
If the destination country is a Hague Convention member, the U.S. Department of State issues the apostille.
If the destination country is NOT a Hague Convention member
Federal documents must be:
1. Authenticated by the U.S. Department of State and the country's embassy.
How Care Mobile Notary Helps
We simplify the entire process:
- Review your documents for apostille or authentication eligibility
- Provide notarization when required
- Guide you through state, federal, and embassy requirements
- Prepare submission packets
- Offer courier and handling support when needed
- Ensure your documents meet international standards
Whether your documents are going to a Hague Convention member or a nonmember
country, we make the process clear, fast, and stress free.
Get Started Today
Don’t leave your legacy to chance. Whether you’re finalizing a will, setting up a trust, or updating your healthcare directives, our notary services provide the legal assurance you need for peace of mind.
Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
Scottsdale, Arizona, United States
