Apostille or Document Authentication

What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a certification on a public document that verifies the authenticity of a document's signature, seal, and or the official that certifies a public document. The Apostille ensures the document was issued or properly certified by an official in good standing. The Apostille is also known as a certificate of authentication. An apostille is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the 1961 Hague Convention. This allows a document to be recognized as valid in another country if that country is a member of the Hague Convention.

We will assist in preparing and obtaining your apostille on your behalf in the most convenient and professional manner.

ProActive Mobile Notary & Apostille offers Full Service Apostille Processing including document pick up, notarizing, Apostille processing, and drop-off or shipping of your document(s) once the process is completed. Call 515-238-6201 today and we will gladly advise you of the processing options & times for Texas and the U.S. Department of State.

As a top Apostille Agent in Texas we have sent countless apostilles to any country that's part of the Hague Convention.

We make attaining an apostille seamless and headache-free - saving you time and money!

Don't know how to begin the process? Call us or send request to see how painless and efficient it is to get an apostille for you.

The Purpose of an Apostille Agent

An Apostille Agent is an individual or company that assists a client or customer in obtaining the APOSTILLE or AUTHENTICATION certification. The Apostille Agent is usually a notary because there may be signatures in the documents that need to be notarized prior to requesting an Apostille or Authentication certificate. The notary does NOT issue the Apostille or Authentication certificates. The certificates are issued by the Secretary of State or U.S. Department of State.

A single mistake in the Apostille process can be detrimental to your deadline and bottom line. Countless individuals get rejected daily due to incomplete or improper Apostille processing. Don't take chances to jump through hoops trying to do it yourself. We do it fast and do it right! With us you not only save time, you also save energy and money. After all, TIME IS MONEY.

We conduct Apostille services by appointment only.
​Call or text 515-238-6201 for an appointment to discuss your Apostille document needs.

Email: Notaryhannah@gmail.com

We help process official Hague U.S Apostilles for use outside the United States

Hague Apostille Country List

As of April 2025

• Albania

• Andorra

• Antigua and Barbuda

• Argentina

• Armenia

• Australia

• Austria

• Azerbaijan

• Bahamas

• Bahrain

• Bangladesh

• Barbados

• Belarus

• Belgium

• Belize

• Bolivia

• Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Botswana

• Brazil

• Brunei Darussalam

• Bulgaria

• Burundi

• Canada

• Cape Verde

• Chile

• China, People's Republic of
  (Including Hong Kong & Macao Special Administrative Regions)

• Colombia

• Cook Islands

• Costa Rica

• Croatia

• Cyprus

• Czech Republic

• Denmark

• Dominica

• Dominican Republic

• Ecuador

• El Salvador

• Estonia

• Fiji

• Finland

• France

• Georgia

• Germany

• Greece

• Grenada

• Guatemala

• Guyana
  

• Honduras

• Hungary

• Iceland

• India

• Indonesia

• Ireland

• Israel

• Italy

• Namibia

• Netherlands

• New Zealand

• Nicaragua

• Niue

• North Macedonia, Republic of

• Norway

• Oman
  

• Pakistan

• Palau

• Panama

• Paraguay

• Peru

• Philippines

• Poland

• Portugal

  
  

• Romania

• Russian Federation

• Rwanda

• Japan

• Jamaica

• Kazakhstan

• Korea, Republic of

• Kosovo

• Kyrgyzstan

  
  

• Latvia

• Lesotho

• Liberia

• Liechtenstein

• Lithuania

• Luxembourg

• Malawi

• Malta

• Marshall Islands

• Mauritius

• Mexico

• Moldova, Republic of

• Monaco

• Mongolia

• Montenegro

• Morocco

• Saint Kitts and Nevis

• Saint Lucia

• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

• Samoa

• San Marino

• Sao Tome and Principe

• Saudi Arabia

• Senegal

• Serbia

• Seychelles

• Singapore

• Slovakia

• Slovenia

• South Africa​

• Spain

• Suriname

• Swaziland

• Sweden

• Switzerland

• Tajikistan

• Tonga

• Trinidad and Tobago

• Tunisia

• Turkey

  
  

• Ukraine

• United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

• Uruguay

• Uzbekistan

  
  

• Vanuatu

• Venezuela

What if my documents need to be translated?

While the exact process will differ by country, the base requirements will be about the same. You get your document translated by professional translator and then notarized the translator's statement. From there, your document need to be apostilled by the State. In some cases, the apostilled document itself may need to be then translated.

Why do I need to translate the apostille?

It’s a valid question: if apostille is an international certification, then why translate it – shouldn’t it be accepted as is? The reality is that most agencies in other countries where your documents are going operate under the rule that all documents they accept have to be fully translated into the language of the country. Which means, that even though apostille is a form of certification, it itself needs to be translated into the same language that your document is translated into.

What is the order for translation and certification?

1. Translate the document into the desired language

2. Certify the translation and get it notarize

3. If the document is going overseas, get it apostilled

4. Translate the apostille page and certify the translation as true and correct

5. The documents are good to go!

Real case scenario

Whenever the document is presented in a foreign country a certified translation of the apostille is also required. For example, if the Hague apostille was issued in United States, you will need a certified translation of the apostille in order to submit the document in Spain for any official procedures.

Online Translation Services

Here are some reputable online translation services for you to consider to use for your translation needs. Please note that ProActive Notary & Apostille do not have any affiliation with these services. I only provide for you to consider if you need a translation service that you cannot find anywhere near you.

1. US Language Services LLC

2. RushTranslate

3. Rapid Translate

4. Universal Translation Services

5. immitranlsate

When to translate: Before or after the apostille?

Before Obtaining an Apostille

• Consistency in Translation: Translating a document before obtaining an apostille ensures that the translation and the original document match perfectly. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the document.

• Ease of Verification: Translating a document before obtaining an apostille ensures that the translation and the original document match perfectly. This is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the document.

After Obtaining an Apostille

• Specific Requirements: Some countries or institutions may require the apostille to be on the original document before translation to ensure the document’s legitimacy.

• Avoiding Additional Costs: If a translation is done after the apostille, only one translation of the apostille itself may be necessary, potentially reducing costs.

How It Works

1. Schedule an appointment to have us come to your location to notarize and pick up your documentation and Apostille processing. If you are unable to meet, you can mail your document to 4414 Plum Forest Road, Houston, Texas 77084 to begin the Apostille process.

2. We have the signature of the notary (or authorized signatory) authenticated by the Secretary of State.

3. We obtain an Apostille certificate for your documentation from the U.S Department of State where your documentation was notarized or issued.

4. We deliver your documentation back to you or we can ship them anywhere in the world at your request using FedEx/DHL International Priority Shipping.

It's just that easy! We make the Apostille process Quick, Painless, & Hassle Free for You!

When requesting your document to be apostilled, please mention the following in the comment box

First and Last Name
Email
Phone number
What country is your apostille document going to?
How soon do you need your document?

• Regular service estimates about 20 to 25 business days / about 4 to 5 weeks

• Rush service estimates from 24-48 hours

• Emergency service estimates same day or next business day

How many document do you have? 1, 2, 3, 4...
Tell us what type of document you have for apostille. For example:

• Birth certificate, Death certificate, Marriage certificate, Power of attorney (POA), School transcript, University Diploma, Passport, etc.

State of origin, example: issued in Texas
For Birth/Death/Marriage Certificates:

• My certificate was issued within the last 5 years

• My certificate was issued 5+ years ago

Do you need notarization for your document?

• Yes. I need notarization

• Notarization not required

• Notarization already completed

• I don't know

Do you need translation for your document? Some destination countries require documents to be translated, if you are unsure please verify and let us know as soon as possible.

• I need translation

• I can translate myself, but need the translation certified

• Translation not needed or I don't know

Get a quote for apostille

Non-Recordable Document Must Be Notarized

Texas Secretary of State (SOS) will only issue apostille certificate on non-recordable documents if they are properly notarized by a Texas notary.

As part of our apostille package, we provide FREE notarization, ensuring that you have all the necessary paperwork taken care of at NO extra cost.

Affidavits
Article of Association (AOA)
Bank Statements
Bill of Sale
Board Resolutions
Certificate of Incumbency
Certificate of Naturalization
Corporation Bylaws
Declaration of Domicile
Form DIR-2
Drivers License Copy
EIN Confirmation Number Letter
Employment Verification Letter

FBI Criminal Background Check
Fingerprinting
Franchise Tax Account Status
GED
Green Card Permanent Resident
INC-9 Form
Medical Certificate of Fitness
Member of Association (MOA)
Minutes of Meetings
Pan Card India
Passport Copy
Police Records
Power of Attorney
Proof of Residency

Single Status Affidavit Letter
Social Security Benefits Verification Letter
Social Security Card Copy
Tax Return Statements
Teaching Certificate
Trademarks and Patents
Translation Documents
Travel Consent Forms Letters
Trust
Utility Bill
Vehicle Registration Tags
Veterans Affairs Benefits Letter
Visa Copy
...And Many More

School Records

If you have an original Texas high school or Texas college transcript, diploma, or degree, there's a simple process you need to follow.

First, you'll need to find a school admin or registrar official who can sign your school records in front of a Texas notary public. Once that's done, we'll pick up the document.

Degrees - High School, College, University

Diplomas - High School, College, University

Records - High School, College, University

​Transcripts - High School, College, University

We are willing to meet with your registrar and perform the notarization at any school in greater Houston Texas and surrounding areas for a travel fee.

We can notarize a copy of your diploma or transcript. The receiving country may have a preference so ask them if you're not sure about original vs. copy.

Recordable Documents

DO NOT NOTARIZE

These documents do not require a notary.

You can request a certified copy from the custodian of the document. The certified copy cannot be older than 5 years.

Texas Birth, Death, Marriage, or Divorce Document

For your convenience, use the link below to order a new copy or visit the Texas County Clerk's Office (personal records department)
(Be sure to let them know that the document is needed for Apostille)

Birth Records

Birth Certificate - A birth certificate is a certified copy of a birth record or legal proof of birth in Texas.

Birth Verification Letter - A birth verification letter does not replace a certificate. These letters say if a birth is on file in Texas. The record, if available, will include the name, date of birth, and county of birth.

Death Records

Death Certificate - A death certificate is a certified copy of a death record or legal proof of death in Texas.

Death Verification Letter - A death verification letter does not replace a certificate. These letters say if a death is on file in Texas. The record, if available, will include the name, date of death, and county of death.

Marriage Records

Marriage Certificate - A marriage certificate is a certified copy of a marriage record or legal proof of marriage in Texas.

Divorce Verification Letter - A divorce verification letter does not replace a divorce decree. These letters say if a divorce is on file in Texas for divorce since 1968.

Acceptable Copies

The authentication unit of the Texas Secretary of State will exclusively issue a Texas apostille certificate or Texas authentication certificate for a Texas recordable document if it is either the original document or an officially certified copy issued by Texas Vital Statistics Records or the relevant Texas county or city where the document was originally recorded and issued.

FBI Apostille

FBI Apostille for Background Checks

STEP 1: Email your FBI background check report in PDF format with the watermark or mail the original.
STEP 2: Let us know for which country you need the Apostille for.
STEP 3: Select Regular Service ($200 for first document, then $100 for additional, normal processing time at least 25 business days / at least 4-5 weeks) OR Expedited Service ($300 for first document, then $100 for additional, normal processing time about 7-10 business days).

Electronic Apostille

Ideal for non-Houston residents, individuals on vacation, abroad, or with limited time to meet a notary in person

How It Works

1. Email your documents to notaryhannah@gmail.com, upload the full unsigned document.​

2. Receive an email with our direct link to your virtual session.

3. Verify your identity (unexpired identification).

4. Connect with our Texas Notary directly and electronically sign the document.

How Do I Pay

• You will be asked to make your payment directly to our notary during the virtual session unless you have already prepaid.

• $35 Virtual Notary Session

• $10 Per Notary Stamp

Additional Fees:

• 50% of the Apostille Service is required to initiate the process.

Texas Apostille Prices

(Clients are not to face any additional hidden changes)

Regular Service $200 for 1st document (at least 25 business days / about 4 to 5 weeks for normal processing time, subject to change depending on volume, not including shipping) Texas State Fee & Shipping Fee Included

Expedited Service $300 for 1st document (24-48 hours for normal processing time, subject to change depending on volume, not including shipping) Texas State Fee & Shipping Fee Included

Emergency $675 for 1st document (same day or next business day) Texas State Fee & Shipping Fee Included

Additional Document Discount
$100 for each additional document, State Fee included

$35 Electronic Apostille Notarization Service
$10 Per Notary Stamp

Department of State & Department of Justice Apostille Prices
​(Clients are not to face any additional hidden charges)

Regular Service $200 for 1st document (at least 25 business days / at least 4-5 weeks for normal processing time, subject to change depending on volume, not including shipping) U.S DOS Fee included

Expedited Service $300 for 1st document (7-10 business days for normal processing time, subject to change depending on volume, not including shipping) U.S DOS Fee included

Additional Document Discount
$100 for each additional document, U.S DOS Fee included

Federal Government Processing System Since COVID & Post-COVID

Please note the U.S. Dept of State working days are now reduced to being open only Monday through Thursday excluding all federal holidays. That means it is more crucial for you to plan ahead to get your document in the office of the USDOS as we are losing Friday as a normal working day.

Apostilled or authenticated issued documents can be picked up 7-10 business days after they have been hand-submitted to the U.S Department of State.

The U.S Department of States does not give us or anyone updates of any kind, that means we cannot give you any type of order status updates once we hand it over to the office of the US Department of States (welcome to the post-COVID world).

Only on the day the State Department finally issues a Federal Apostille Certificate or Authentication Certificate on your documents will they notify us and then we will notify you by email.

We also apostille for states other than Texas

Processing Time (Estimate Only)

Processing time does not happen on weekends, State and Federal Holidays because governments are closed on holidays.
The processing time is controlled by two factors: (1) what type of document you have and (2) what country the document is going to and what state the document originally from.
For example, a document from the FBI involves more steps and has more rules to follow than a document from State of Texas.
Documents from out-of-state always take a little longer than Texas documents. If your document originates in Texas usually completed quicker than a document from states like California or Georgia.

United State Department of State

We work with the U.S. Department of State in Washington D.C. With our relationship and experience, we will assist you to get your document done as fast as possible with no time wasting errors. Don't get your document done incorrectly, let us do it right for you.

Free In-Person Notarization + Travel Fees

Within 10 miles from zip code 77074 - Free, no travel fee​
10-20 miles from zip code 77084 - $40
20-30 miles from zip code 77084 - $60
​30-40 miles from zip code 77084 - $80

​Cancellation upon arrival 100% of mobile fee

Choice of Apostille Delivery

Come to my residence @ 4414 Plum Forest Road to pick up - FREE
USPS Priority/UPS Ground with Tracking: FREE
Hand-Delivery: $0 for 1-10 miles, $20 for 10-15 miles, $35 for 15-20 miles, $50 for 20-25 miles, $65 for 25-30 miles
FedEx Local/National: $30.00
International DHL/FedEx: *TBD $80-$200, depends on exact location.

Commonly Questions About Apostilles

What countries accept Texas Apostilles?

• Since the United States is part of the 1961 Hague Convention, any country that is part of this treaty will accept your Texas apostille. We commonly receive requests for Mexico, Spain, Portugal, China and many more.

How do I get an Apostille in Texas?

• ​You can request an Apostille by mail or walk-in service from the Texas Secretary of State Office in Austin, Texas. Mail-in processing time can take between 7 to 14 business days (sometimes longer), while walk-in service can be processed in a matter of hours on a first come, first served basis.

• This is why we offer this vital service to avoid long wait periods and mistakes.

• If a mistake is found in your apostille from attempting this on your own, you would have to repeat the process all over again. Cost you more time and unnecessary headaches.