Explore Maryland Apostille Services

If you plan to use your important documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or educational qualifications, abroad, you may have stumbled upon the term “Apostille”.

An Apostille is a special type of certification required by foreign countries to verify the authenticity of documents issued in another country. What is an Apostille and Why Is It Necessary? An Apostille is a certificate that is attached to a document to confirm its authenticity and to make it legally valid in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

The Hague Convention, which was signed by more than 100 countries, introduced a standardized process for legalizing documents, making it easier for these countries to recognize and accept foreign documents. Apostille Services in Maryland If you are a Maryland resident and need your documents to be apostilled, you can use the Apostille services offered in the state.

Maryland offers a convenient process for authenticating your documents for use abroad. To obtain an Apostille service in Maryland, you must complete the following steps:

Prepare your documents: Gather all original documents that require an Apostille, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or education certificates. Make sure that these documents have been issued by Maryland authorities.

Have documents notarized: In Maryland, most documents must be notarized before obtaining an Apostille. Visit a notary so that your documents are properly certified.

Visit the Secretary of State: Once your documents are notarized, you must visit the Maryland Secretary of State's office in person. Be prepared to pay a small fee for each document you need to apostille.

Submission of the application: Complete the appropriate application form provided by the Office of the Secretary of State. Be sure to provide the required information correctly.

Submit documents for an Apostille: Submit your documents along with the completed application form along with the appropriate Apostille rates. Fees may vary depending on the number of documents you need to apostille.

Processing time: The processing time for Maryland Apostille services may vary. Therefore, it is recommended that you contact the Office of the Secretary of State or visit their website for the most up-to-date information on processing times.

Pick up your apostilled documents: Once your documents have been apostilled, you can pick them up at the Maryland Secretary of State's office. These documents are now legally valid for use in countries that are party to the Hague Apostille Convention.

Obtaining an Apostille for your important documents can be a crucial step if you want to use them abroad. In Maryland, the process is simplified and the Secretary of State's Office offers Apostille services to help you obtain the required authentication. By following the steps described above, you can ensure that your documents are properly apostilled and can be used abroad.