Pearland Apostille Services 

Q: How long does an apostille take in Texas?

Standard processing is 5-7 business days. Rush/Expedited service may be available depending on state workload and document type.

​

Q: Do I need to come in person?

No. We offer mail-in services, as well as mobile services, for local clientele, if requested.

​

Q: What is the difference between an apostille and notarization?

A Notarization verifies a signature's authenticity by a notary public for domestic use, while an apostille is an international certification by a government agency (like the Secretary of State) that authenticates the notary's signature/seal for use in other Hague Convention countries, making a document valid abroad; you typically need a notarization first, then an apostille for international recognition. 

​

Q: What countries accept an apostille?

Over 120 countries accept an apostille under the Hague Apostille Convention, simplifying document legalization for international use. Click on the link below to access the Hague Convention Members.

https://www.hcch.net/en/states/hcch-members

​

Q: What documents need to be certified vs notarized?

For an apostille, public documents (birth/marriage certificates, court records, diplomas) need certification by the issuing authority (e.g., Secretary of State), while private documents (contracts, affidavits, powers of attorney, business agreements) first need notarization, which confirms the signer's identity, followed by the Secretary of State's certification of the notary's seal and signature. Essentially, the apostille is the final certificate verifying the authenticity of a signature/seal for Hague Convention countries, but it often builds upon prior certifications or notarizations.