apostille services
As a notary, we play a crucial role in simplifying the international document authentication process. We ensure that your documents are properly notarized and then coordinate the apostille process, which includes obtaining a special seal that certifies the document’s authenticity for international acceptance. Our services are designed to handle the Apostille process from start to finish or ensure that your document is properly notarized if you choose to handle the process. We travel to you to notarize and facilitate the process.
Please contact us for rates.
We DO NOT have a storefront, retail location, or walk-in location.
Click here if you need online notary services.
An Apostille is a form of Authentication/Certification to be used in countries who are signed as a part of the Hague Convention.
Authentication at the state level cannot be provided for documents to be used within the United States or its territories (including Puerto Rico).
Documents issued at the federal level (including the FBI) must be authenticated by the US State Department, not by the Virginia Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Documents are not required to be translated before submitting for authentication.
Depending on the destination country, the authentication is issued as either a Great Seal or an Apostille. The authentication only verifies that the Virginia Notary, Virginia Clerk of Court, or Virginia Deputy State Registrar is listed in the Secretary of State’s system and has correctly notarized or issued your document..
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Requirements for documents for authentication
If your document is:
A Notarized Document, the document must be properly notarized, by a Virginia notary, within the past 12 months.
A Vital Record(birth, death, marriage or divorce certificate), the document cannot be notarized and must be issued from the Virginia Department of Health - Vital Records Division or your local Department of Motor Vehicles within the past 12 months. Marriage certificates issued by the Circuit Court must contain a Certification of Official Record/Triple Seal.
A Court Record, the document cannot be notarized and must be issued from the appropriate Virginia Circuit Court within the past 12 months. Circuit Court documents should contain a Certification of Official Record/Triple Seal two page document (VA Code 8.01-389 and 8.01-391) The date must be reflected on the document in addition to the signature and printed name of the (Deputy) Clerk of Court.
A State Corporation Commission document must be issued by the Virginia State Corporation Commission Only within the past 12 months and signed by the Clerk of the Commission and cannot be notarized.
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Common documents that require an apostille for international use include:
1. **Birth Certificates**: Needed for citizenship, marriage, or education purposes abroad.
2. **Marriage Certificates**: Required for legal processes, such as visa applications or name changes.
3. **Death Certificates**: Used in estate settlements and other legal matters overseas.
4. **Educational Documents**: Diplomas, transcripts, and degrees for studying or working in foreign countries.
5. **Business Documents**: Articles of incorporation, powers of attorney, and contracts for international business transactions.
6. **Background Checks**: Criminal records and other personal background checks for employment or immigration purposes.
7. **Wills and Testaments**: Ensuring the distribution of assets is recognized legally abroad.
8. **Trust Documents**: For managing and transferring assets internationally.
9.. **Power of Attorney**: Granting legal authority to someone to act on your behalf in another country.
10.. **Probate Court Orders**: Validating the executor's authority to manage and distribute the estate's assets internationally.
11. **Affidavits**: Supporting documents, such as those affirming the identity or intentions of the estate holder, required by foreign jurisdictions.
These documents often need an apostille to ensure their authenticity and legal standing in other countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
These documents must be authenticated to ensure their validity in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention.
available to meet in the following areas:
Primary Areas
Other Areas
City of Williamsburg
James City County
York County (Williamsburg)
New Kent County
City of Newport News
York County (Yorktown/surrounding areas)
City of Hampton
City of Westpoint
Richmond (Sandston/Airport Area)
If you live outside of the Williamsburg/Toano area but prefer to meet in this area, we are flexible to accomodate your needs.
Hours of Operations
Monday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Tuesday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Wednesday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Thursday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
(early/late appointments available based on availability)
**Open on major holidays (Availability varies and based on appointment only)**
identification requirements
A notary is required to exercise a HIGH DEGREE OF CARE in determining the identity of any person whose identity is the subject of a notarial act. Unless such person is known by the notary, identity shall be ascertained by examination of one or more of the following nine unexpired documents. A Virginia notary may REFUSE to notarize a document for any reason.
1) a United States Passport
2) a United States Passport Card
3) a certificate of United States citizenship
4) a certificate of naturalization
5) a foreign passport
6) an alien registration card with photograph
7) a state issued driver’s license
8) state-issued identification card
9) a United States military card
10) the oath or affirmation of one credible witness unaffected by the document or transaction who is personally known to the notary and who personally knows the individual or of two credible witnesses unaffected by the document or transaction who each personally knows the individual and shows to the notary documentary identification.
A notary has the power to perform various official acts, known as “notarial acts”. The Code of Virginia specifies five basic notarial acts:
1. Taking acknowledgments
2. Administering oaths and affirmations
3. Certifying affidavits or depositions
4. Certifying “true copies” of documents
5. Verification of fact
Virginia notaries may perform their duties outside of the Commonwealth if the document is for use in the Commonwealth. Virginia notaries are not authorized to certify true copies of birth, death, or marriage certificates. Only the Division of Vital Records/Statistics may perform such a certification. Virginia notaries are not authorized to certify true copies of court issued documents. Virginia notaries are not authorized to perform marriage ceremonies.
general notary services
Printing, scanning and faxing services are available at an additional cost.