Apostille2026-03-19 - 5 min read

What Is an Apostille and When Do You Need One?

An apostille authenticates documents for international use. Learn when you need one, how to get it, costs, and which 125+ countries accept apostilles.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document so it's recognized in another country. It's essentially a government stamp that says 'this document is legitimate.'

The word comes from French, meaning 'certification.' The apostille system was established by the Hague Convention of 1961 to simplify the legalization of documents between countries.

When Do You Need an Apostille?

You need an apostille when sending a notarized document to another country for:

  • Immigration: Birth certificates, marriage certificates for visa applications
  • Education: Transcripts, diplomas for foreign universities
  • Business: Corporate documents, powers of attorney for international deals
  • Legal: Court orders, adoption documents
  • Personal: Marriage abroad, property purchase in another country

    • Which Countries Accept Apostilles?

    125+ countries that are members of the Hague Convention, including:

  • All EU countries
  • United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, South Korea
  • Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia
  • India, China (Hong Kong and Macao), South Africa

    • How to Get an Apostille

  • Notarize your document (if not already notarized)
  • Submit to your state's Secretary of State
  • Pay the state fee ($2-40 depending on state)
  • Receive the apostille certificate attached to your document
  • Ship to the destination country

    • ClosingIQ handles steps 1-5 in one platform. First AI scan free.

    Apostille vs Authentication/Legalization

    For countries NOT in the Hague Convention (e.g., Canada, China mainland, UAE), you need 'authentication' or 'legalization' instead — a more complex process through the US Department of State and the destination country's embassy.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How much does an apostille cost?

    State fees range from $2-40. ClosingIQ's service: $150 standard, $250 rush. Full bundle (notarize + apostille + ship): from $275.

    How long does an apostille take?

    Standard: 5-7 business days. Rush: 24 hours. E-apostille (8 states): 1-3 days, fully digital.

    Can I get an apostille online?

    In 8 states (CT, KY, MD, MN, MT, RI, UT, WA), yes — fully digital e-apostille. For other states, ClosingIQ handles the physical submission for you.

    /international/apostille/texas/immigration-services

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