Apostille:
Noun: A certification or authentication issued by a designated authority in a country that is a signatory to the Hague Convention, confirming the authenticity of a public document and enabling its use in another country. The apostille is typically attached to the original document or a certified copy, and it verifies the signature, seal, and authority of the person who issued the document. The purpose of an apostille is to simplify the process of document legalization for international use, ensuring that the document is recognized and accepted by foreign authorities without the need for further authentication.
An apostille is a certification that authenticates the origin of a public document, such as a birth certificate or a court order, for use in another country. It is issued by a designated authority in the country where the document was issued and is recognized by all countries that are parties to the Hague Convention. The apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person signing the document has acted, and the identity of any seal or stamp affixed to the document. This certification simplifies the process of verifying the legitimacy of a document when it is presented in a foreign country.
Q: What is an Apostille?
A: An Apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document, such as a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or educational diploma, for use in another country.
Q: Why do I need an Apostille?
A: An Apostille is required when presenting a public document issued in one country to be used in another country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. It ensures that the document is recognized as valid and legally binding in the receiving country.
Q: Which countries accept Apostilles?
A: Currently, there are over 120 countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention and accept Apostilles. Some notable countries include the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and Japan.
Q: How do I obtain an Apostille?
A: To obtain an Apostille, you need to submit the original document to the designated authority in the country where the document was issued. This authority is usually the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or a similar government department. They will verify the document’s authenticity and attach the Apostille certificate.
Q: Can any document be apostilled?
A: No, only public documents can be apostilled. These include documents issued by government authorities, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce decrees, educational diplomas, and notarized documents. Private documents, such as personal letters or contracts, cannot be apostilled.
Q: How long does it take to get an Apostille?
A: The processing time for an Apostille varies depending on the country and the workload of the issuing authority. It can range from a few days to several weeks. It is advisable to check with the relevant authority or consult a professional service for accurate processing time estimates.
Q: Can I get an Apostille for a document that is not in English?
A: Yes, you can obtain an Apostille for a document that is not in English. However, in most cases, the document will need to be translated into the official language of the country where the Apostille is being issued. The translation should be certified by a professional translator.
Q: How much does an Apostille cost?
A: The cost of obtaining an Apostille varies depending on the country and the type of document. Some countries charge a fixed fee per Apostille, while others have a tiered fee structure based on the document’s complexity. It is recommended to check with the issuing authority
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.
To help you cite our definitions in your bibliography, here is the proper citation layout for the three major formatting styles, with all of the relevant information filled in.
- Page URL:https://dlssolicitors.com/define/apostille-appostille/
- Modern Language Association (MLA):Apostille Appostille. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. May 09 2024 https://dlssolicitors.com/define/apostille-appostille/.
- Chicago Manual of Style (CMS):Apostille Appostille. dlssolicitors.com. DLS Solicitors. https://dlssolicitors.com/define/apostille-appostille/ (accessed: May 09 2024).
- American Psychological Association (APA):Apostille Appostille. dlssolicitors.com. Retrieved May 09 2024, from dlssolicitors.com website: https://dlssolicitors.com/define/apostille-appostille/
Our team of professionals are based in Alderley Edge, Cheshire. We offer clear, specialist legal advice in all matters relating to Family Law, Wills, Trusts, Probate, Lasting Power of Attorney and Court of Protection.
All author posts