SO, LET’S START FROM THE BEGINNING

An apostille might be the last step before a client moves to Spain for their dream job, gets married on a beach in Mexico, studies French abroad, or even retires under the sun somewhere in this big, beautiful world. It's a pass to big life changes — and I get to play a small but mighty part in that. 

WAIT... AND WHAT - AN APOSTILLE?

How do you pronounce "apostille?" ah-poh-STEE 🇫🇷✨

It means certification in French. So you ask, "What is the apostille going to do for me?" It allows a document to be used in another country. It confirms that the person who signed your document had the legal right to do so. I like to think about the apostille as the VIP pass for your documents. You can't just show up.

Before your document can be used in another country, it needs something special, like a backstage VIP pass at a concert. That pass is the apostille. Without the apostille, your paperwork is stuck outside the velvet ropes. With it? Your documents are living the all-access vida loca!

WHO DECIDES I NEED AN APOSTILLE? 

The work involved will be up to each country. Countries have different rules, and not all trust each other’s paperwork. Some countries will operate very easily if they are part of the Hague Convention.

Simple, affordable, and quick. The non-Hague countries have more steps, are more expensive, and possibly will take months before your document is accepted.

WELL, WHO GIVES ME THE APOSTILLE? 

The apostille will start at the state level. It will come from your state's specific Secretary of State. https://www.sos.ca.gov/ . There's a lot to do before you get the document apostille-ready for the Secretary of State.

Remember, some documents will require certification, others will need notarization, and some will require both. Timing is everything, so don’t book your plane ticket until you have the apostille in hand. 

WHAT TYPES OF DOCUMENTS MAY NEED AN APOSTILLE?

Adoption papers, dual citizenship applications, powers of attorney, school transcripts and diplomas, birth certificates, business documents, and any notarized documents to be used internationally. The apostille process for many apostilles documents will start with vital records. https://www.lavote.gov/home/recorder.

An apostille doesn’t prove your document is valid. It only confirms that the signature, stamp, or seal on the document came from the right authority, so the paperwork can be recognized in another country.

DON’T PANIC - I'VE GOT YOU!

I know it sounds like a lot. But this is literally what I do. If needed, I will notarize your documents - how lucky for you! I’ll handle the apostille process from start to finish. I will walk you through the process, prepare everything you need, handle the delivery, and ensure your document is ready. 

Helping people prepare for their next adventure never gets old. I witness hope, excitement, and possibility—and honestly, it's fun to be part of that energy. Every appointment feels like a celebration waiting to happen. 

I take the mystery out of the apostille process.

Three Hole Punch Notary and Apostille Agent

*Disclaimer: I’m a California Notary Public, not an attorney. For legal advice, please consult an attorney.