Apostilles

Document Authentication by Apostille

CorpAmerica, the low cost leader in International business formation services since 1995, has experience authenticating state documents from the United States for use in other jurisdictions. One of the most common methods of authentication is an apostille, which is accepted by dozens of countries that are parties to the Hague Convention. 

An apostille is affixed to another document, such as a certified copy of a state formation document or a Certificate of Good Standing. If a corporation or LLC is formed in the United States but actually conducts business elsewhere, an apostille may be requested by a bank, lender or other agency to attest to the validity of the document.

How It Works

An apostille certifies that the attached document may be used in a country that is a party to the Hague Convention (Abolishing the Requirement for Legalization of Foreign Public Documents). This convention was ratified in 1961 by jurisdictions including the United States, Czech Republic, Hungary, Russian Federation, Japan, France, United Kingdom and others. Prior to the convention, documents were typically certified for use in a foreign country by a more complicated and expensive process known as legalization.

The Legalization Process

  1. 1. A state document, such as a Certificate of Good Standing or a certified copy of a formation document, is obtained.
  2. Next, the document is authenticated by the U.S. Department of State.
  3. The authenticated document is then legalized by the embassy or consulate for the 'country of intent,' or the jurisdiction where the document is being taken.

Ordering An Apostille

Obtaining an apostille from a state government avoids the last two steps in the legalization process. An apostille is less expensive and generally takes less time to obtain than a legalized document. However, price and turnaround time still depend upon the original document being requested, the type of entity and the state. 

Customers should contact CorpAmerica well in advance of any deadline to request a state document with an apostille. To place an order or learn more, contact one of our international business specialists at 877-246-2462 (toll-free) or 302-636-5448.

When Legalization is Required

If the country of intent is not a party to the Hague Convention, an apostille cannot be obtained. Instead, CorpAmerica can assist you in authenticating and legalizing a document for use in another jurisdiction. For a price estimate for your next project, please contact an international business specialists at 877-246-2462 (toll-free) or 302-636-5448. Price and turnaround time for a legalization project will vary based upon the specific details of your order.

Apostille FAQs

1.  What is the difference between an apostille and legalization?

An apostille is typically a one-page certification attached to a state document attesting to its validity for use in a foreign country that is a party to the Hague Convention.  Legalization involves certification at both the U.S. Department of State and the embassy or consulate for the country where the document is being taken.  This is required when the country of intent is not a party to the Hague Convention.

2.  Who can issue an apostille?

Any country that is a party to the Hague Convention may issue or accept an apostille. For example, the United States is a party to the Hague Convention, so the U.S. Department of State and each individual state may issue an apostille.

3.  How can I request an apostille?

CorpAmerica frequently assists customers in ordering apostilles of state documents like certified copies of a document or Certificates of Good Standing. To place an order, simply call one of our international business specialists at 877-246-2462 (toll-free) or 302-636-5448.

Did you know?

To open a business bank account, most banks require you to first obtain a Federal Employer ID Number (also called a TIN or EIN). The EIN serves as a tax identification number for the IRS. CorpAmerica can obtain an EIN on behalf of your business.