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Maryland Prime Notary
Frequently asked questions
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APOSTILLE FAQS
NOTARY FAQS
REMOTE ONLINE NOTARY FAQS
Translation FAQs
APOSTILLE - FAQS
What is an Apostille?
An Apostille is a certificate issued by a country's government verifying the authenticity of a government official's signature and seal on a document. Apostilles are used in foreign countries that are members of the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty. An apostille certificate is attached to an original document to validate that it is legitimate and authentic.

What is an Authentication?
For countries not members of the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty, an Authentication is a certificate issued by their government verifying the authenticity of the government official's signature and seal for use in a foreign country. Documents requested by these countries require several steps to complete that may include state, federal, and embassy attestation/legalization.

Where Are You Located?
For apostille services, we can receive your original document at our Lanham, MD office (by appointment only, no walk-ins) or mail it in with our convenient next-day prepaid shipping label.
For notary services, we provide in-office and mobile notary* appointments. Our remote online notary appointments provide you with the ultimate convenience in the comfort of your home, office, or car--using your mobile phone or laptop!

*Location restrictions apply for mobile services.

How Long Does It Take To Get an Apostille or Authentication?
We offer standard and expedited processing times ranging from 1-7 business days for Maryland state apostilles. Out-of-state apostilles, federal apostilles, and authentications may take longer. Call us for the most up-to-date estimated processing times*.

 

Current Processing Times

 

Apostille Services in Maryland:

Expedited: 1-3 Business Days
Standard: 5-7 Business Days

Apostille Services Outside of Maryland:

Processing times vary; please contact us for your specific state

Federal Services:

Expedited: 7 Business Days
Standard: 5 Weeks

Authentication Services for Non-Hague Countries:

Expedited: as fast as 7 Business Days
Standard: 5 Weeks

Submit your apostille order (En español) today!

 

*Document processing starts the day after documents are received in our office, assuming no document deficiencies. Document deficiencies include outdated records, invalid signatures, incorrect notarizations, photocopies, etc.

How Much Does Your Apostille Services Cost?
Depending on the service level, our processing fees range from $250 to $425 for the first document and $95-$125 for each additional document. We also offer document translation and international shipping services for an additional fee. To determine the cost of your specific apostille request, please give us a call at (301) 744-0240 or request a Free Apostille Quote and we will provide you with customized pricing!

What Types of Documents Do You Apostille?
We apostille documents for business, marriage, real estate transactions, power of attorney, foreign citizenship, passports, burials, school enrollment, employment, and much more!

 

Here are some of our most frequently requested documents:

 

Power of Attorney (General and Special)
Birth Certificate
Marriage Certificate
Death Certificate
FBI Background Check
Divorce Decree
Articles of Incorporation
State Police Record/Background Check
Trusts, Wills, Estate Plans
Travel Authorization/Minor Consent Letter
School Documents (Diploma, School Transcript, and Enrollment Verification Letter)
Affidavit
I Do Not Have an Original Document. Are Copies Accepted for Apostille Requests?
No. Only ORIGINAL documents are accepted for apostille certifications. We can help you obtain notarizations and order new certified copies of birth certificates, marriage certificates, FBI background checks, etc. For a preliminary review, upload images of your documents on our Free Apostille Quote.

 

Get Apostille Quote
How Can I Send My Documents to You?
We offer document mail-in using a prepaid shipping label we provide or in-person drop-off at our office. Mail-in requests are shipped using a 100% insured and tracked prepaid shipping label provided to you. Domestic return shipping is included with all apostille services!

What If My Document Is in Another Language?
Document requirements vary depending on the government entity:

 

MARYLAND STATE DOCUMENTS:

Notarized documents can be written in another language, but the notarial wording must be in English. Signers' full names must match their government-issued identification.

 

OUT-OF-STATE DOCUMENTS:

Requirements vary for documents issued in other states. Please give us a call for specific state requirements.

 

FEDERAL AND NON-HAGUE DOCUMENTS:

For documents issued by a federal agency or documents going to a country that is a member of the 1961 Hague Convention, a notarized English translation of the document must accompany the original document. This is a requirement for all documents being processed with the US Department of State.

Submit Translation Order
What Payment Methods Do You Accept?
Payment is required before services are rendered. Maryland Prime Notary & Apostille accepts credit and debit card payments.

What Countries Are Part of the Hague Convention?
Countries that are members of the Hague Convention require an apostille.

 

HAGUE APOSTILLE MEMBER COUNTRIES*:

Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Colombia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Eswatini, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guyana, Honduras, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritius, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Montenegro, Morocco, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Niue, North Macedonia, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Venezuela.

 

*This list is subject to change.

Current List of Hague Countries
What Countries Are Not Part of the Hague Convention?
Countries that are not members of the Hague Convention require authentication services. Documents requested by these countries require several steps to complete.

 

NON-HAGUE COUNTRIES:

Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burma Myanmar, Cambodia, Cameroon, Congo Republic, Congo Democratic, Ivory Coast, Cuba, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Haiti, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Libya, Macedonia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Mozambique, Myanmar Burma, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Palestine, Qatar, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan, Tanzania, Togo, Thailand, Turkmenistan, UAE (United Arab Emirates), Uganda, Vietnam, Yemen, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

 

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NOTARY - FAQS
Where Are You Located?
We offer in-office appointments at our Lanham, MD office (no walk-ins), mobile notary, and remote electronic notary services.
For remote online notarizations, simply send us your documents and complete your remote online notarization appointment via phone, tablet, or laptop from anywhere in the world! Notarized documents are emailed to you immediately after the appointment.
Mobile notary appointments provide you with the ultimate convenience in the comfort of your home, office, or coffee shop. Location restrictions apply.
What If My Document Is in Another Language?
Documents notarized in Maryland can be written in another language, but the notarial wording (where the notary public signs and stamps) must be in English. Signers' full names must match their government-issued identification.

What Payment Methods Do You Accept?
Online payment is required before services are rendered. Maryland Prime Notary & Apostille accepts credit and debit card payments.

Do I Need Identification for My Notary Appointment?
Yes. All signers must present appropriate government-issued unexpired photo identification for appointments. Acceptable identifications include a state driver's license, US passport, federal employee ID, Military ID, etc.

 

Customers are not permitted to sign on behalf of another person except in cases where there is an established power of attorney legally executed.

 

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REMOTE ONLINE NOTARY - FAQS
What Do I Need to Participate in a Remote Online Notarization?
You need a computer or smartphone with a camera, a stable internet connection, a valid government-issued ID for identity verification, the document you wish to have notarized, and the ability to successfully answer knowledge-based authentication questions. Learn more here.

Is Remote Online Notarization Secure?
Yes, our remote online notary service uses a secure, authorized online platform to protect your personal information and ensure the integrity of the notarization process.

What Types of Documents Can Be Notarized Remotely?
Most documents can be notarized remotely, including contracts, affidavits, and powers of attorney. However, some documents may have specific requirements, so please check with us if you are unsure.

What if I Encounter Technical Issues During the Remote Online Notary Session?
If you experience technical difficulties, our notary is available by phone to help resolve any issues and ensure the notarization process is completed smoothly.

Are Remote Online Notarizations Valid in All States?
Remote Online Notarizations became legal in Maryland effective 10/1/2020. Remote online notarizations are valid in many other states, but laws can vary. We ensure our service complies with the regulations in Maryland. Always check with the receiving party to confirm acceptance of the electronically notarized document.

How Will I Receive My Notarized Document After the Remote Online Notarization Appointment?
After the notarization, your document will be returned electronically with the notary’s digital signature and seal directly to your email.

 

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translation - FAQS
What Types of Documents Can You Translate?
We can translate a wide range of documents, including legal contracts, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, business documents, and more.

How Do I Send My Documents for Translation?
Submit your translation request on our Translation Order Form. On the form, you can upload your documents and submit payment. You can also email the documents to info@maryland-notary.com. Please ensure the documents are clear and readable for the best results.

Are Your Translations Certified?
Yes, all our translations are certified by professionals who ensure they are accurate and true to the original document. We also offer Spanish sworn translations to ensure the legal validity of documents used in Spain.

What Languages Do You Translate?
We provide translation services for a wide range of 100+ languages. Contact us to confirm if we support the specific language you need.

How Long Does a Translation Take?
Delivery time depends on the complexity and length of the document. We strive to complete all orders within 3 business days. We will provide an estimated delivery time when we receive your request. Rush services are available.

Can I Request Revisions to the Translation?
Revisions are included if they are due to errors made by the translator. However, changes to the original text or additional clarifications may incur extra fees.

Do You Offer Rush Translation Services?
Yes, we offer rush services for an additional fee. Please contact us to discuss your specific timeline.

Who Is Responsible for the Translated Document?
The client is responsible for how the translated document is used. Our certification guarantees the translation is an accurate reflection of the original document, but we are not liable for any issues arising from its use.

 

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ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS
Do You Offer Refunds?
Maryland Prime Notary & Apostille does not offer refunds. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We will do our very best to find a resolution!

What If I'm Late for My Appointment?
We allow a 15-minute grace period for late appointment arrivals. Please give us a courtesy call at (301) 793-6200. After that time, the appointment will be canceled and rescheduled.

I Have More Questions, Can You Help Me?
Absolutely! Give us a call at (301) 744-0240 or email info@maryland-notary.com. We are always happy to assist with your notary and apostille questions. If you would like us to review your document, please email or text (301) 793-6200 an image of the document to us.

Also, check out our Notary & Apostille Blog where we frequently share information on various notary and apostille topics!

 

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Maryland Prime Notary & Apostille agents are not attorneys licensed to practice law in the state of Maryland nor allowed to draft legal records, give advice on legal matters, including immigration, or charge a fee for those activities.

 

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