Trusted Virginia Notary

Trusted Virginia Notary · Apostille Processing

Virginia Apostille Services

We handle Secretary of the Commonwealth authentication for birth and marriage certificates, FBI background checks, power of attorney, corporate records, and academic credentials destined for Hague Convention countries.

Get Apostille HelpCall (804) 433-9810

$1M E&O insured · 12k+ documents signed · 500+ five-star Virginia reviews

Vital records, corporate, FBI, academic

From birth certificates to corporate records and diplomas, we help prepare the documents most often needed abroad.

Hand-walked filings for expedited turnaround

When timing matters, hand-walked filings in Richmond can shorten the wait for simple Virginia documents.

International courier coordination

Once your apostille is issued, we coordinate international courier delivery so your documents arrive where they are needed.

What an apostille is and when you need one

An apostille is a certificate that allows a U.S. public document to be accepted for international use in countries that belong to the Hague Apostille Convention. If you are applying for a visa, working or studying abroad, marrying overseas, applying for dual citizenship, or doing business internationally, the receiving country will often require an apostille before it will accept your paperwork.

It is important to understand what an apostille does — and does not — do. An apostille authenticates the signature and seal on the document, such as the signature of the official or notary who signed it. It does not verify or certify the content of the document itself.

Not every country participates in the Hague Convention. Documents headed to non-Hague countries need a different process: authentication followed by embassy legalization through the destination country's embassy or consulate. Tell us where your document is going and we will help you identify which route applies.

The apostille process, step by step

  1. 01

    Get the right underlying document

    Start with the correct version of your document — for example, a certified copy of a vital record issued by the proper agency rather than a photocopy.

  2. 02

    Notarize private documents first

    Private documents such as a power of attorney, affidavit, or corporate resolution must be properly notarized before they can be authenticated.

  3. 03

    Submit to the Secretary of the Commonwealth

    Virginia-issued and Virginia-notarized documents are submitted to the Secretary of the Commonwealth in Richmond for the apostille certificate.

  4. 04

    Send federal documents to the U.S. Department of State

    Federal documents, including FBI background checks, are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., not by Virginia.

  5. 05

    Arrange translation and courier if needed

    If the receiving country requires a translation, obtain one before sending; we coordinate international courier delivery to get your documents where they need to go.

Documents we commonly help apostille

With 12k+ documents signed, we are familiar with the paperwork clients most often send overseas.

  • Birth and marriage certificates

    Certified vital records for dual citizenship, residency, marriage abroad, and family matters.

  • FBI background checks

    Federal background checks for overseas employment, teaching, visas, and residency applications.

  • Power of attorney

    Notarized powers of attorney that let someone act on your behalf in another country.

  • Corporate records

    Articles, certificates of good standing, and resolutions for international business.

  • Academic credentials

    Diplomas and transcripts for study or professional work abroad.

  • Court documents

    Certified court records such as divorce decrees and judgments needed overseas.

Typical apostille timelines

Timelines depend on the type of document and the issuing authority. These are typical ranges:

Virginia apostille, standard
5–10 business days
Hand-walked expedited (simple Virginia documents)
1–5 business days
Federal apostille, standard
12–14 weeks

Apostille service areas

We help clients throughout Central Virginia and the Tri-Cities prepare documents for apostille, including notarizing private documents at your home or office. Explore the communities we serve most often:

Don't see your city listed? View all service areas or explore all Virginia notary services.

Apostille FAQ

Can I apostille a copy of my birth certificate?

Only certified copies issued by the Virginia Department of Health (or originating state) can be apostilled. Photocopies and laminated originals are rejected.

Do FBI background checks get apostilled by Virginia?

No. Federal documents including FBI checks are apostilled by the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C.

Need an apostille for international use?

Tell us where your document is going and we'll help you take the right next step. Book online or call (804) 433-9810.

Get Apostille HelpCall (804) 433-9810
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