Apostille Information
A document is generally recognized only in the country in which it was issued. In order to facilitate recognition of a document abroad, an international treaty regarding mutual recognition of documents was signed by many countries, including the U.S. and Germany.
This treaty is called the “Hague Convention Abolishing the Requirements of Legalization for Foreign Public Documents.” According to that treaty, a document originating in one Convention country is recognized in all other Convention countries if it bears the so-called “APOSTILLE” stamp, which is a validation performed by the superior office in the country and state (province) where it was issued.
In the United States, the Secretary of State and the Deputy Secretary of State of the individual U.S. States provide the “Apostille”.
Sample of an Apostille:
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APOSTILLE 1. Country:……………………………………………………………. This public document……………………………………………….. 2. has been signed by……………………………………………….. 3. acting in the capacity of………………………………………….. 4. bears the seal/stamp of………………………………………….. …………………………………………………………………………… Certified 5. at………………………………………….. 6. the………………….. 7. by………………………………………………………………………. 8. No……………………………………………………………………… 9.Seal/Stamp: 10. Signature: ……………………………. ………………………. |
If you need an Apostille please contact the State where the document was originally issued.