Additional Information
What does an Apostille look like?
An Apostille is placed directly on the document by a rubber stamp, sticker or seal, or on a separate attached page called an allonge. The allonge should be attached by grommets, stapes, ribbons, or seals. The most secure method of affixation is encouraged to ensure the integrity of the Apostille. You should never detach an Apostille no matter how it’s affixed.
Where can I get an apostille?
Apostilles are available in countries that have signed the Hague Convention. If you request service for a country not listed in the Hague Convention, don’t worry, you can still get authenticated through a procedure called Embassy Legalization.
What is Embassy Legalization?
Embassy legalization is the service used for Non-Hague countries where an original document needs to be certified as a true copy. This is just like an apostille but requires legalization by the embassy or consulate of the country where the document needs to be certified as a true copy. See list of Non-Hague Countries.
How do I know if this is a valid Apostille?
The Annex to the Apostille Convention provides a Model Apostille Certificate Apostilles which should conform as closely as possible to this Model Certificate. Mainly, an Apostille must: be identified as an Apostille, include the short version of the French title of the Convention (Convention de La Haye du 5 octobre 1961) and include a box with the 10 numbered standard informational items. An Apostille may also provide additional information.
How does someone verify my Apostille?
The Competent Authority (the company approved to issue Apostilles) is required to keep a register recording date and number of every Apostille it issues as well as the person or authority that signed or sealed the underlying document. Recipients may contact the Competent Authority, a list of them is included in the Apostille Section of the Hague Conference website.
Many Competent Authorities have started online electronic Registers (e-Registers) where queries to verify the origin of the Apostille can be made easily. If this service is available, the webs address of the e-Register is mentioned on the Apostille.
What about electronic Apostilles?
The Convention allows Competent Authorities to issue Apostilles in electronic form (e-Apostilles) and to maintain registers of Apostilles (e-Registers). More information on the Apostille Pilot Program can be found at www.e-APP.info.
What is the Hague Conference on Private International Law?
The Hague Conference on Private International Law started in 1893 and became a permanent intergovernmental organization in 1955. The Conference deals with legal issues in civil and commercial matters in cross-border situations. They assist with the implementation and operation of multilateral Conventions. Hague Conventions have dealt with Apostilles, service of process abroad, taking of evidence abrouad, securities, child abduction, adoption, etc. by opening communication between various legal systems. The Secretariat of the Hague Conference is called the Permanent Bureau, located in The Hague, The Netherlands.
