An apostille is a stamp or sticker that you put on a document to verify its authenticity. The U.S Department of State requires this process when you are sending an official document overseas, such as to Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. It is useful to understand the difference between an apostille and a notarized seal. While both are intended to authenticate documents, the difference lies in their purpose. A notary certifies that a document has been signed by someone who is authorized to do so. An apostille verifies that the document is a genuine copy of the original.
The United States Department of State requires that all official documents be authenticated by an apostille if they are to be used in foreign countries that have signed the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement for Legalization for Foreign Public Documents.
Why do I need an Apostille?
Apostilles are used to certify that the information contained in a document is true and accurate. They help foreign governments determine whether the document you are presenting has been legally issued by an authorized government agency or entity in the United States. For example, if you are applying for a visa at a consulate in Mexico City, they will need to see that your birth certificate was properly authenticated by Texas officials before they can issue you with one of their own documents.
In order for a document to be accepted by foreign governments, it must be authenticated. In most cases, this means that the document will have an apostille placed on it. The apostille is an official seal from the Secretary of State in Texas and serves as proof of authenticity and legality.
How To Get Your Apostille in Houston, TX?
The process of getting an apostille in Houston is quite simple. You will need to visit the Texas Secretary of State’s website and fill out a form online. Once the form has been filled out, you will be asked to send copies of your documents. The whole process should take no more than two weeks. You can get your apostille even faster if you hire Houston TX apostille document services to help you with the process.
Houston apostille document services will take care of all of the legwork and ensure that your documents are properly processed in order to get your apostille quickly. Once you have your apostille, you can use it to authenticate any documents that need to be used abroad.