An apostille is an official certificate that verifies the authenticity of a document for use in another country. The certificate confirms that the signature, seal, or notarization on the document is valid.

Apostilles are recognized by countries that participate in the Hague Apostille Convention.

Once an apostille certificate is attached, the document can be presented to foreign governments, schools, employers, or other institutions.

Many types of personal, academic, and business documents may require apostille certification.

Common examples include:

• birth certificates

• marriage certificates

• diplomas and academic transcripts

• background checks

• power of attorney documents

• affidavits

• adoption records

• articles of incorporation

• certificates of good standing

• business contracts

If you are unsure whether your document requires apostille certification, we can review the document and explain the next steps.

Some documents must be notarized before they can receive an apostille.

For example, documents such as affidavits, authorizations, and power of attorney forms usually require notarization first.

Other documents, such as certified vital records issued by the state, may already meet the requirements for apostille certification without additional notarization.

Processing time can vary depending on the submission method and current processing volume.

Documents are authenticated by the Georgia Secretary of State, which is responsible for issuing apostille certificates in Georgia.

If documents require additional preparation or notarization, this may affect the total processing time.

Yes. Apostilles must be issued by the state where the document was created.

For example, a birth certificate issued in Florida must be authenticated by the Florida Department of State, while a document issued in Texas must be processed through the Texas Secretary of State.

Although Gardner Business Services is located in Georgia, we can assist with coordinating apostille submissions for documents issued in other states.

Yes. Individuals may submit documents directly to the appropriate state authority.

However, many people choose to use a document service to help ensure the documents are prepared correctly and submitted according to state requirements.

Using a service can help avoid delays caused by incomplete submissions or incorrect documentation.

Countries that participate in the Hague Apostille Convention accept apostille certification as a form of document authentication.

If the destination country does not participate in the convention, additional authentication or legalization steps may be required.

Requirements depend on the type of document.

Some documents require original certified copies issued by the appropriate authority. Other documents may require notarized copies or supporting documentation.

We review each document and help determine what is required before submission.

Documents must be authenticated by the state where they were issued.

If your document was issued outside Georgia, we can assist with coordinating the submission process with the appropriate state authority.

Yes. Businesses often require apostille certification for documents used in international transactions.

Common business documents include:

• articles of incorporation

• certificates of good standing

• corporate resolutions

• international contracts

• export documentation

These documents may require notarization before they can receive apostille certification.

If you need assistance preparing documents for international use, Gardner Business Services can guide you through the process.

Contact us to begin your apostille request and we will review the documents and explain the next steps.