top of page

Apostille

What is an Apostille?

  • ​An authentication or apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature, seal and position of the official who has executed, issued or certified a copy of a public document. Apostilles are strictly for the use of public documents abroad!

​​

Why do I need an Apostille?

  • The object of the Apostille is to "abolish the requirement of diplomatic or consular legalization for foreign public documents". The completed Apostille certifies the authenticity of the signature, the capacity in which the person signing the document has acted, and identifies the seal/stamp which the document bears.

​​

What does an Apostille do for me?

  • An Apostille is required for legal transactions where a document from one country in another country must be presented as part of a legal process. This involves many business transactions and individual transactions. For example situations to settle the estate of a deceased person with assets overseas, applying for VISA's, and positions for employment.. Some of the most common documents requiring legalization with an Apostille are Power of Attorney, Passports, Birth, Marriage and Death Certificates, criminal background checks, bank accounts etc.. The requirement of an Apostille protects you, and the potential risk of being defrauded.

​​

Does an Apostille require a Language Translation?

  • Unless otherwise specified, it is recommended you obtain both a translation of an apostilled document and a certified translation of the apostille certificate. Lisa's Atlanta Mobile Apostille & Notary provides translation for an Apostilled document and a certified translations of your Apostille certificates.

​

Certified vs. Non-Certified Translation

  • Not all languages have a certification exam, and not all countries or projects require translators to be certified. By contrast, a “certified translation” is the signed statement verifying translation accuracy.

Notary

What is an acceptable ID?

  • ​This clearly takes the top spot. One of the key reasons it comes up so often is that Notaries are confronted with a growing array of identity cards. Consider that every state and U.S. territory issues driver’s licenses and ID cards. On top of that, there are inmate IDs, tribal IDs and identity cards issued by federal government agencies. Acceptable forms of ID in Illinois for Notarizing a document are:

    • State-issued driver’s license

    • State-issued identification card

    • U.S. military identification card

    • Resident alien identification card (green card)

    • U.S. passport

​​

What kind of notarization is required?

  • Some documents will include notarial wording, which is generally found after the signature line. If this notary text is included, It more than likely will asking what the Notary should do. For an acknowledgment, it will generally have some variation of “acknowledged before me.” Jurat wording typically will include a version of “subscribed and sworn” language. If the wording is recognized, and it meets the requirements of Illinois, the Notary may proceed. If the wording is not clear, or the document doesn’t contain a notarial certificate, then the client will need to provide information as to what type of notarization is needed. Notaries may describe an acknowledgment and a jurat (or signature witnessing, if the act is allowed in some states), but never recommend or suggest which one should be used. That would be the unauthorized practice of law, unless the Notary is a licensed attorney.

​​

How much will a Notary charge me to notarize a document?

  • A maximum of $5 for notarizing. A maximum of $3 to do any procedures necessary to obtain a required document. A maximum of $75 for one complete application. A maximum of $25 for any electronic notarial act.

​​

How long is a notarized document valid in Illinois?

  • he notarization of your document does not expire as long as the date on the notarization seal at the time of attestation is valid. In simpler terms, a notary has the authority to notarize a document as long as its commission is valid.

​​

Can I get my document notarized online?

  • Yes, Senate Bill 2664 covering electronic and remote notarization along with subsequent rules are enacted. However, the new Electronic Notary commission process and requirements have staggered effective dates.

​

Can I get my document, from another state notarized in Illinois?

  • Yes, as long as the Notary performs the notarial act in Illinois and the notarial certificate indicates "State of Illinois, County of _______________________" to identify the jurisdiction in which the notarial act took place.

bottom of page