What to Expect After You Order an Apostille
What to Expect After You Order an Apostille
Ordering an apostille can feel overwhelming — especially when documents are time-sensitive or needed for use abroad. Here’s exactly what to expect once you begin the process with Clark Apostille Services, so there are no surprises.
Step 1: Document Review & Intake
Once you submit your request, we:
Review your document type
Confirm the destination country
Verify whether notarization is required
Identify if Remote Online Notarization (RON) or in-person notarization is acceptable
If anything is missing or needs correction, we’ll let you know before submission to avoid delays.
Step 2: Notarization (If Required)
Depending on your document and destination country:
Some documents can be notarized remotely (RON)
Others require in-person notarization
Certain records (like birth or death certificates) cannot be notarized and must be certified originals
We’ll guide you to the correct path based on international acceptance rules.
Step 3: Submission to the Texas Secretary of State
Your document is then submitted to the Texas Secretary of State for apostille certification under the Hague Convention (or legalization if the destination country is non-Hague).
Processing times vary based on:
Standard vs. rush service
Secretary of State workload
Accuracy of documents submitted
Step 4: Apostille Issuance
Once approved:
The apostille certificate is attached
Documents are quality-checked for accuracy
Any country-specific requirements are verified
Step 5: Secure Return Shipping
Your documents are shipped back via tracked, secure delivery.
International shipping options are available if needed.
Important Things to Know
Apostilles do not expire, but the receiving country or agency may impose validity timelines
Some countries require translations after apostille
Apostilles certify the origin of the document — not its content
Need Help?
If you’re unsure whether your document qualifies or what your destination country requires, contact us before submitting. We specialize in international document handling and will walk you through every step.
Request Apostille Assistance
Email: info@clarkapostilleservices.com
