Apostilles are a form of authentication. They are used in countries that are members of the Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents to ensure that public documents from other countries can be accepted as genuine and valid.
An apostille is a certificate issued by a competent authority in the country of origin. The person issuing the certificate (the notary, consul or equivalent) verifies the identity of the signatory who signs a document and then seals it with an imprinted stamp or sticker known as an apostille, which indicates that they have verified its authenticity.
The apostille is attached to the document and serves as a form of certification that the notary or consul has verified its authenticity. It’s similar to a seal of approval, but it does more than just verify a signature: an apostille proves that both the signatory and their identity are genuine.
The apostille process is used by many countries worldwide, but it’s especially important for documents that may be needed in more than one country. For example, if you need to use your birth certificate as proof of citizenship in a second country and want to avoid the hassle of getting another one issued by your country of origin, an apostille can make the process easier.
The process for getting an apostille varies by country. In the United States, it’s a fairly straightforward process that can be completed online or through your local county clerk’s office. You’ll need to submit your document along with payment and identification, as well as fill out some forms. After this has been processed, you should receive an official copy of your birth certificate with an apostille attached.
What About Apostille in Houston, TX?
If you live in Houston, TX and need to get a certified copy of your birth certificate with an apostille attached, you can send your request to the Texas Department of State Health Services Vital Records. You can also visit one of their offices in person to submit your documents. Once they process them, they’ll issue a certified copy with an apostille attached. You can also hire apostille Houston services to complete this process for you. This will save you both time and money because it will allow you to submit a request for an apostille instead of going through the state Department of State Health Services.
