Let’s be honest: procuring an apostille can seem like a little step in your grand plan to travel abroad. But if you make a mistake, all of your perfectly lined-up papers can fall apart. The most common (and expensive) mistake is? Sending in the proper paper but with the wrong signature or without the right certification at all – visit us to see our special info!
Someone is about to be married in Mexico or study in France. They hurry to get their birth certificate or graduation apostilled. Everything seems OK until the letter saying you were turned down comes. Why? Because the document was not signed by an official from the state or country that issued it. If the original signature isn’t on the list of acceptable ones, you can’t add an apostille. It’s not the document that matters, but who signed it.
For instance, the state’s vital records agency must issue your birth certificate and it must include a registrar’s signature on it. A photocopy stamped by a notary at your local shipping business won’t work. That’s like giving airport security a copy of your passport. It’s close, but no.
Another mistake that happens a lot? Documents that have been changed or broken. You can make it invalid by taking out a staple, adding a sticky note, or whiteing out a mistake. Apostille officials desire original documents that are in perfect condition. Anything that seems like it has been changed might be thrown back.
And don’t forget about the dates when things go bad. A notarized document from someone whose license recently ran out? Not useful. Always make sure that dates and credentials are up to date.
What should you do? Before you send anything, make sure you know who signed it, who is giving you the apostille, and scan all of your documents. A quick call or visit to your Secretary of State’s website can save you weeks of waiting.
Details are important in this game. A missed signature or crease can throw off your plans. Don’t get involved in the drama; do your homework, and your papers will go to where they need to go without any problems.