What is an apostille?
An apostille is a certificate attached to a public document so it is recognized in other countries that belong to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention. It confirms that the signature and seal on the document are genuine. Once a document has an apostille, those countries accept it without embassy legalization.
Who issues apostilles for Maryland documents?
The Maryland Secretary of State in Annapolis issues apostilles for documents signed by Maryland officials and notaries. Federal documents, such as FBI background checks, are apostilled by the US Department of State instead.
Why does my notarized document need a Circuit Court certification?
Maryland requires the Clerk of the Circuit Court in the county where the notary is commissioned to certify the notary's signature before the Secretary of State will issue the apostille. We handle this step for you.
Can you apostille a document from another state?
No. Each state apostilles only documents issued or notarized in that state. If your document comes from Virginia, Pennsylvania or another state, that state's Secretary of State must issue the apostille.
How long does a Maryland apostille take?
We file at the Secretary of State on the same business day we receive your documents, as long as they arrive by 10:00 a.m. and do not need the Circuit Court step. Documents that need court certification usually take one extra business day. Shipping time is added on top.
Do I need to send the original document?
Yes. The apostille is physically attached to the original certified copy or notarized document. Photocopies cannot be apostilled.
Does the apostille translate my document?
No. The apostille only certifies the signature and seal. Many countries require a certified translation of the document, and sometimes of the apostille, done in the destination country. Check with the office that will receive it.
Is the destination country written on the apostille?
Maryland asks which country the document is for, so tell us the destination when you order. An apostille is valid in every member country, but give the correct country to avoid questions.
Are you a government agency?
No. We are a private document service. We are not affiliated with the Maryland Secretary of State, the courts or the US Department of State. You can apply to those offices yourself; we save you the trip, the paperwork and the risk of rejection.
How do I pay?
After we review your order we email an invoice. You can pay by credit card or, for approved business accounts, by company check or ACH.