Apostille Notary Services
An apostille is not a notary stamp. For a private document (power of attorney, affidavit, consent), you notarize it in the same state that will issue the apostille, then file with that Secretary of State (or equivalent). Birth, marriage, and death records start as certified copies from the issuing vital records office. Federal papers go to the U.S. Department of State. This page is the notary step and the map of which office does the rest.
Typical price range
$15 - $75
How It Works
Confirm whether the destination country wants an apostille or embassy legalization
If the document is a vital record, order a certified copy from the issuing office first
If it is a private document, book a notary commissioned in the apostille state. Do not pre-sign
File with that state's authentications unit using their current cover sheet and fee
Federal documents go to the U.S. Department of State, not a state SOS
What you need
- The document itself (original or the certified copy the foreign party asked for)
- Photo ID the notary can accept
- The destination country, so you know apostille vs legalization
- Time: SOS processing is days to weeks, not the length of the notary visit
Benefits & Features
Hague apostille vs embassy legalization
If the destination country is in the Hague Apostille Convention, one apostille from the correct U.S. authority is usually enough. If it is not, you may need state authentication, U.S. Department of State authentication, and then the foreign embassy. Ask the school, consulate, or counsel which path they want before you spend a week in the wrong line.
State-by-state rules
Notary law is state law. These pages cover the filing office, what the notary actually does, and when remote online notarization is or is not available.
Texas
A Texas notary does not issue an apostille. Private documents get a Texas notarial certificate, then the SOS Authentications Unit. Vital records start at DSHS or the county clerk. Federal papers go to the U.S. Department of State.
Florida
Florida apostilles are issued by the Department of State, not a notary. Private documents get a Florida notarial certificate first. Vital records start at Vital Statistics. Name the country of use on the cover letter.
Nevada
Nevada apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State Authentications office, not a Strip notary. Private documents need a Nevada notarial certificate. Vital records go through Nevada Vital Records first. Do not notarize in California and ask Nevada to apostille it.
California
California apostilles come from the SOS Authentications unit (Sacramento or Los Angeles). Notaries cannot certify vital-record copies. They can certify a copy of a POA. California RON is not available for this packet.
New York
New York apostilles are issued by DOS. Many notarized documents need county clerk authentication first. Vital records have a separate certified-copy path. Notary fee is $2; clerk and DOS fees are extra.
Pricing
Typical price range
$15 - $75
Notary fee for the certificate. SOS apostille fees are paid to the state, not the notary.
Turnaround Time
Notary: often same day. SOS apostille: days to weeks
Service Options
In-Office
Mobile Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to learn more?
Read our complete guide
What Is an Apostille, and How Do I Get One?
Book the notary step
Licensed notaries for mobile, in-office, and (where the state allows it) online appointments.