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Apostille & Authentication
Apostille & Authentication services for
Documents used Overseas
Need to Use Your Documents in Another Country?
Whether you are moving abroad, studying overseas, getting married in another country, adopting a child internationally, conducting international business, or applying for dual citizenship, your documents may require an Apostille or Authentication Certificate before they will be accepted by a foreign government.
A1 Live Scan & Notary Services provides professional Apostille and Authentication processing for individuals, attorneys, corporations, healthcare professionals, educational institutions, and businesses throughout Southern California.
We simplify what can often be a confusing and time-consuming process by guiding you every step of the way.
What is an Apostille?
An Apostille is an official certificate issued by a government agency that verifies the authenticity of a public official’s signature and seal on a document so it can be legally recognized in another country.
An Apostille does not verify the contents of your document. Instead, it verifies that the notary public or government official who signed your document was properly commissioned or authorized to do so.
If the destination country is a member of the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention, an Apostille is generally all that is required.
What is an Authentication Certificate?
If your document will be used in a country that is not a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, it typically requires an Authentication Certificate instead of an Apostille.
Authentication Certificates are generally issued by the U.S. Department of State and may also require legalization by the foreign country’s embassy or consulate.
Our experienced staff can help determine which process applies to your destination country.
Apostilles Through the California Secretary of State
Many California-issued documents require Apostilles through the California Secretary of State.
These commonly include:
- Powers of Attorney
- Affidavits
- Business Documents
- Contracts
- Corporate Resolutions
- Real Estate Documents
- School Records
- Certified Copies
- Other notarized documents
Our office can:
Notarize your documents (when required)
Prepare them for Apostille processing
Obtain the California Apostille on your behalf
Return your completed documents promptly
Federal Apostilles & Authentication Certificates
Some federally issued documents require processing through the U.S. Department of State rather than the California Secretary of State.
Examples include:
- FBI Identity History Summary (FBI Background Check)
- Federal Court Documents
- Federal Agency Documents
- Certificates issued by U.S. Government Agencies
If your document is intended for international use,
we can help determine whether it requires:
Federal Apostille
Authentication Certificate
Additional Embassy or Consulate Legalization
Hague Convention vs. Non-Hague Countries
Understanding which process applies can be confusing.
Hague Convention Countries
Countries that participate in the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention generally accept an Apostille.
Examples include:
- Spain
- France
- Italy
- Germany
- Australia
- Japan
- Mexico
- South Korea
- Netherlands
Non-Hague Countries
Countries that are not members of the Hague Convention generally require an Authentication Certificate and, in some cases, additional legalization through the destination country’s embassy or consulate.
If you’re unsure which process applies, simply tell us where your document will be used, and we’ll help determine the correct requirements.
Documents We Commonly Process
Our office regularly assists clients with Apostilles and Authentication Certificates for:
Personal Documents
- Birth Certificates
- Marriage Certificates
- Death Certificates
- Divorce Decrees
- Adoption Records
- Powers of Attorney
- Affidavits
Educational Documents
- Diplomas
- Transcripts
- Degrees
- Enrollment Verification
- Letters
Business Documents
- Business Documents
- Certificates of Good Standing
- Corporate Resolutions
- Contracts
- Commercial Invoices
- Business Agreements
Legal Documents
- Court Documents
- Probate Documents
- Estate Planning Documents
- Trust Documents
Background Checks
- FBI Identity History Summary Checks
- Federal Background Checks
- Criminal History Reports
Need an FBI Background Check Apostilled?
Many individuals moving overseas, applying for visas, teaching abroad, obtaining dual citizenship, or working internationally require an FBI Background Check with a Federal Apostille.
A1 makes the process easy
Step 1
Electronic FBI Fingerprinting
Step 2
Receive Your FBI Identity History Summary
Step 3
Federal Apostille Processing
Step 4
Your documents are ready for international use.
Why Choose A1?
For more than 18 years, A1 Live Scan & Notary Services has helped thousands of individuals and businesses with fingerprinting, notary services, and international document processing.
Our clients choose A1 because we offer:
- Experienced and knowledgeable staff
- Fast, professional service
- Mobile and office appointments
- Convenient Downtown Los Angeles location
- Assistance with both California and Federal Apostilles
- One-stop service for fingerprinting, notary, passport photos, translations, and Apostilles
Related Services
Need more than just an Apostille?
We also provide:
Notary Public Services
FBI Background Checks
Fingerprinting
California Live Scan Fingerprinting
Passport & Visa Photos
Translation Services
Mobile Notary Services
Call A1 Live ScaReady to Get Started?
Whether you need a single Apostille or assistance with multiple international documents, our experienced staff is here to help.n now for your appointment!
Call: 213-489-4559