Apostille Services
in North Carolina

If you need documents authenticated for international use, apostille services are an essential step. In North Carolina, this process is streamlined to meet the requirements of the Hague Apostille Convention, making it straightforward for residents to ensure their documents are recognized abroad. Here’s everything you need to know about apostille services in North Carolina and how our company can assist you.

What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certification issued for documents that need to be recognized in countries participating in the 1961 Hague Convention. This official seal verifies the authenticity of:

• The signature on the document
• The capacity in which the signer acted
• The identity of the seal or stamp affixed to the document

North Carolina’s Secretary of State is responsible for issuing apostilles for documents originating in the state. This ensures that your documents are legally valid in participating countries.

Why Do You Need an Apostille?
If you plan to study, work, get married, adopt, or engage in business abroad, you’ll likely need an apostille for certain documents. Examples include:

• Birth, marriage, and death certificates
• Divorce decrees
• Educational diplomas and transcripts
• Business entity documents
• Notarized legal agreements

These documents must often be authenticated to meet the requirements of foreign governments or institutions.

How to Obtain an Apostille in North Carolina
The process of obtaining an apostille in North Carolina involves several steps:
Prepare Your Document:

• The document must originate in North Carolina and meet specific criteria.
• Birth, marriage, and death certificates must be issued by a county Register of Deeds or North Carolina Vital Records.
• Educational records require notarization by a North Carolina notary public.

Notarization: Documents must be notarized correctly. This includes:

• State and county of notarization
• Acknowledgment of the signature
• Notary’s seal, signature, and commission expiration date

Submit document to Carolina Translation Center:

• Send or deliver the original document to our company. We will take care of the rest for you.

Processing Time:

• The usual processing time is around 14-30 business days once the document is received.
• Expedited services are available for urgent needs.

Common Challenges and How We Help
Navigating the apostille process can be daunting. Errors in notarization, incomplete forms, or submitting the wrong type of document can lead to delays. That’s where our company comes in. We provide:

• Expert guidance on document preparation
• Professional notarization services
• Fast and reliable submission of your documents
• Tracking and secure return of your authenticated documents

Why Choose Our Services?
Our company specializes in apostille services tailored to North Carolina residents. Here’s why clients trust us:

• Experience: We have extensive knowledge of North Carolina’s specific requirements.
• Convenience: We handle the entire process from start to finish, saving you time and stress.
• Accuracy: Our attention to detail ensures your documents meet all necessary standards.
• Customer Support: We’re here to answer your questions and provide updates throughout the process.

Countries Requiring an Apostille for U.S.-Issued Documents
If you're planning to use documents issued in the U.S. abroad, you will need an apostille for countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention. The United States is a member of this 1961 Convention, which simplifies the legalization process through an apostille. This means that documents issued in the U.S. can be authenticated with an apostille for use in member countries without requiring additional legalization through consulates or embassies.
However, if you plan to use a U.S. document in a country that is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, you may need to complete the consular legalization process instead.
Below is a list of countries where an apostille is required to authenticate your documents:
Europe
Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Moldova, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom (including Jersey, Guernsey, Isle of Man).
Americas
Argentina, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Grenada, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay, Venezuela.
Asia
Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei Darussalam, Georgia, India, Israel, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Oman, Philippines, South Korea, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Uzbekistan.
Africa
Botswana, Cape Verde, Lesotho, Liberia, Malawi, Morocco, Namibia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland.
Oceania
Australia, Cook Islands, Fiji, Marshall Islands, New Zealand, Niue, Samoa, Tonga.
For countries not listed here, consular legalization may be required instead.

Get Started Today
Whether you need an apostille for personal or business reasons, our team is ready to assist. Contact us today to ensure your documents are authenticated quickly and correctly. We’ll simplify the process, so you can focus on your international plans with confidence.