A reliable notary can make all the difference! Whether you're needing a single document notarized, or an entire assortment of documents - we go the distance to help you feel comfortable and confident in your decision to use On-Site Notary!

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What is an "Apostille Service"? 

Many documents intended for use in another country require an ADDITIONAL level of authentication before they can be sent. Fortunately, this process was streamlined for 156 countries during the Hague Convention of 1961, establishing a universal standards for authenticating those documents.

 

When you get a notarization done the notary will first verify your identity, witness your signature of the document, and then complete the notarization certificate. But how is another country to know if the notary who signed and notarized the document is legitimate? This is where an Apostille Certificate comes in.

 

The packet of documents that you will be sending to another country is sent by the Notary to a special office in the Secretary of State, where the identity and authority of the Notary is then authenticated, ensuring that the notary has a valid Appointment from the State and is currently in good standing. Finally, the document is given an official Apostille Certificate and returned to either the Notary or you, the client.  

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For documents going to a country that isn't a part of the Hague Convention? A good Apostille Agent can help you to quickly figure out what additional documents that country may require. As Apostille Agents - we're here to help you. 

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Why should I use an Apostille Notary Service?

The majority of documents being sent to another country will require at least one notarization, and typically several! Having a notary that is familiar with the Apostille process as well as the various documents that you will need notarized makes the process much easier. On-Site Notary will ensure that the signed and notarized documents are complete, prepared for the Apostille office, and then sent to the Apostille directly.

 

What is the turnaround time for an Apostille?

Plan ahead! There are three options for handling your Apostille needs. Processing time with the State is different with each option, which can have a serious impact on the overall expense and turnaround time. Pick the statement that best fits your situation.

 

"I've got plenty of time - what's the most cost-effective option?"

Most Apostille Services will ship your prepared Apostille packet to the Secretary of State for processing, along with payment to the Apostille office and a return shipping label to have it sent back. Typical turnaround for Apostille requests sent in this way is two (2) to three (3) weeks, not including shipping times. This is the cheapest (but slowest) option.

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"I don't have much time - This has to be done in the next week or two!" 

The Secretary of State has a 24/7 dropbox. Once your appointment is done and your packet is prepared for the Secretary of State, your notary can travel to the Secretary of State in Harrisburg to hand deliver it. Packages delivered to the dropbox cuts down on wait time for them to receive it. Average turnaround time with this option is five (5) to seven (7) business days, plus return shipping. Expedited delivery service is available. Let us know if you'll be needing this option when scheduling your appointment.

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"I don't have a week or two - I need it ready to go NOW!"

Emergency Apostille service is available for our clients who are unable to wait on State processing times. In an Emergency Apostille: the notary will travel to you, complete the notarizations, prepare the Apostille packet on site, courier the packet to the Secretary of State's Apostille office, wait for an in-person appointment to have the packet Apostilled that day (even if it takes until closing to have it completed), and courier the completed Apostille back to you - the client.  If you're short on time and need your documents Apostilled right away? This would be the best, but most expensive, option.   

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