State Issued
State Apostille
For documents issued by Maryland, DC, Virginia, or another state or local government office.
- Birth, marriage, and death certificates
- Diplomas and school records
- Divorce decrees and business records
Not Every Document Needs an Apostille.
Sometimes you need a certified translation. Sometimes you need a notarization first. Sometimes you need a federal authentication instead of a state apostille. We'll review your documents for free before you spend money on the wrong service.
1,000+
Document Reviews
99%
State Apostille Accuracy
3–4 Days
Typical Maryland Processing Time
11 Days
Average Federal Processing
If you live in Maryland, DC or VA, visit our Locations Served page to find Apostille Services and mobile notary support near you.
Overview
Getting Your Documents Accepted Abroad
Need help getting your documents accepted for use abroad? I provide Apostille Services for a wide range of state, federal, and personal documents — and help you understand which process is correct for your destination country.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is an official certificate that allows your documents to be recognized in another country. It verifies the authenticity of the signature, seal, or stamp on a public document for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.
If your destination country is not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, your documents may require authentication and embassy or consular legalization instead. That's why the first step is determining the correct process before submitting your documents.
Choose Your Service
Which Apostille Service Do You Need?
The correct process depends on who issued your document and the country where it will be used. Every country has its own requirements. Choose the closest match below, or send your documents for a free review if you're not sure.
Featured Service
U.S. Federal Agency
Federal Apostille
For documents issued by a U.S. federal agency and processed through the U.S. Department of State.
- FBI background checks
- Fingerprint cards
- Social Security and VA letters
- Federal court and agency records
Personally Prepared
Personal Documents
For documents prepared by an individual or business that may need notarization before apostille.
- Powers of attorney and affidavits
- Consent and authorization letters
- Passport and driver license copies
Federal Apostille Services
Federal Documents Follow a Different Process
If your document was issued by a U.S. federal agency, it does not go to the Maryland Secretary of State. Federal apostille and authentication requests are processed through the U.S. Department of State in Washington, DC.
Need an Apostille in Maryland or an Apostille FBI Background Check? Maryland Mobile Notary Express is based in Glen Burnie, close to the Annapolis apostille office, with convenient mobile pickup and delivery available for qualifying orders.
FBI Background Checks
Fingerprint Cards
Federal Court Records
Social Security Letters
VA Benefit Letters
Why Clients Use My Apostille Service
I help save you time, money, and worry by reviewing your documents first, guiding you through the correct process, and helping you avoid unnecessary delays or trips.
- Mobile pickup and delivery available for qualifying apostille orders.
- Free review of your documentation before you submit anything.
- Bilingual service in English and Spanish.
- No need to travel to DC for many federal apostille requests — courier service is available.
- Updated process guidance so you know the right steps before you start.
- Personalized document guidance for state, federal, and personal documents.
- Fewer mistakes and delays by catching issues before submission.
- Convenient support from start to finish with clear communication throughout the process.
Not sure which apostille process applies?
Send a photo or scan first. I can review the document, confirm whether it is state, federal, DC-issued, or personal, and help you avoid paying for the wrong process.
Common Reasons
Why Clients Need Apostille Services
Dual Citizenship
Marriage Abroad
Visas & Immigration
Study Abroad Programs
International Employment
Business Filings
Foreign Property Matters
Overseas Legal Use
Not Sure Which Type of Document You Have?
Many clients know they need Apostille Services but aren't sure whether their document is state-issued, federally issued, or a personal document. I help identify the document type, review the destination country, and guide you through the next steps clearly and efficiently.
Save the trip, the guesswork, and the stress.
Whether your document needs a Maryland apostille, DC apostille, federal apostille, certified translation, or notarization before apostille, I can help you choose the correct path before you spend time or money on the wrong step.
You may not need our most expensive service.
If all you need is a notarization, we’ll tell you.
If your document only needs a translation, we’ll tell you.
If another state can process it faster, we’ll tell you.
Our goal is to get your documents accepted—not sell you services you don’t need.
FAQ
Apostille Services — Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about apostilles, document requirements, or the process? Here are answers to some of the most common questions we receive.
What if I'm in another state or country? ▾
No problem. I can review your documents remotely to make sure everything is correct. Once confirmed, you mail the document to me and I process the apostille on your behalf.
How do I get an apostille for my FBI Background Check or Fingerprint Card? ▾
FBI Background Checks and Fingerprint Cards require the federal apostille process rather than a Maryland state apostille. If your document was issued by the FBI or another U.S. federal agency, it must be processed through the U.S. Department of State. I can review your documents, confirm the correct process, and help coordinate your federal apostille from start to finish.
Learn more about Federal Apostille Services →
Learn more about Federal Apostille Services →
Can I send a copy of my birth certificate? ▾
No. In order to process an apostille, the birth certificate must be an original and issued within the past year. Copies are not accepted.
How do I get my Maryland marriage certificate? ▾
Contact the clerk's office in the county where you were married and order a certified copy of your marriage certificate.
My Maryland divorce paper is signed by a judge — can I use it for an apostille? ▾
No. For apostille purposes, the document must be signed by the county registrar, not just a judge. You can obtain the correct version by ordering a recent certified copy from the court.
I'm planning to get married abroad and need a single status letter. Can you help? ▾
Yes! The single status affidavit is one of several documents typically required for marrying abroad. There are two types: a court-issued letter (which can take a few months to obtain) and a single status affidavit. Contact us to discuss which option is right for your timeline and destination country.
Can I apostille my diploma? ▾
This depends on the receiving institution. Originals cannot be notarized directly, so it's important to first confirm with the school or institution in the destination country whether they will accept a copy or require the original. If the original is required, we can work with you to apostille the diploma. Contact us for guidance specific to your situation.
How do I apostille my school transcripts? ▾
There are a few important rules for transcripts. Copies printed from an online portal are not accepted — transcripts must come directly from the school on official letterhead. The school can mail them to you, but do not open the sealed envelope. Note: if a translation is also needed, translated copies must be notarized and apostilled separately. Contact us for more information.
Can you translate my driving record or driver's license? ▾
Yes! Contact us with the destination country and language and we can arrange a certified translation of your driving record or driver's license — commonly needed for international driver's license applications.
How do I apostille my driver's license? ▾
A notary visit is required for this service. Call us for details and to schedule an appointment.
I want to apply for dual citizenship for my child but I'm not sure where to start. Can you help? ▾
Yes. The first step is deciding where the application will be filed. If applying in the United States, it is generally easier to process through the destination country's embassy or consulate here. If applying overseas, the documents will need to be apostilled and translated. Call us with the country and we can walk you through the options and timelines.
Need Help with Apostille Services?
Contact Maryland Mobile Notary Express for Apostille Services in Maryland, DC, and Virginia. I'll help determine whether your document is state, federal, or personal — and whether it may also need certified translation or legalization support.