Moving To A Foreign Country? What You'll Need To Know About Having Your Documents Apostilled

If you're going to be traveling to a foreign country, you may need to have your important documents apostilled. If you're not sure what that is, it's a way of ensuring the authenticity of official documents between foreign countries; specifically, those that participated in the Hague Convention of 1961. Because all countries have different ways of authenticating documents – the US utilizes the notary public system – it's necessary to have a standard way of ensuring authenticity amount foreign countries. If you have documents that will need to be apostilled, here are four things you'll need to know about the process.

Not All Apostille's Look the Same

When it comes to having your documents apostilled, it's important to know that not all apostille certificates look the same. However, they do need to follow the same format, meaning the same information will need to be included. For instance, all apostille certificates must have the same title, which is Convention de la Haye du 5 octobre 1961. If your apostille certificates all look different, don't panic. As long as they all have the same title, you shouldn't run into problems.

The Apostille Must be on the Document

If your documents need to be apostilled, be sure you know where it's being attached. An apostille isn't enforceable unless it's been attached properly. To be sure you won't be left dealing with hassles once you reach your destination, be sure that the apostille is attached directly to the document. If it's not possible to attach the apostille directly to the document, be sure that it's attached to a separate sheet of paper, and that the sheet of paper is then securely attached to the apostilled document.

You Won't Need Further Documentation

Once your documents have been apostilled, you shouldn't need further documentation. However, it's important to ensure that all the necessary steps have been followed. That way, you'll know that your documents will be accepted without delays or struggles. If you're not sure about your documents, be sure to speak to the embassy for the country in which you'll be traveling. They can help you avoid problems with your paperwork.

Various Legal Documents Will Need to Be Apostilled

If you're going to be moving to a foreign country, it may be necessary to apostille several different documents, especially if you'll be working or going to school while you're there. Some of the documents you may need to have apostilled include high school and college transcripts, birth and marriage certificates, and passports. A good rule of thumb is to apostille any legal document you'll be taking with you.

Contact a company like Atlanta Mobile Notaries for more information and assistance.