What is an apostille?

An apostille is an international certification that verifies the authenticity of a public document so it can be legally recognized in another country. Think of it like a “passport stamp” for your documents. It’s required by countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention.

Which documents need an apostille?

Some of the most common documents that require apostilles include:

• Birth, marriage, and death certificates

• School transcripts and diplomas

• Power of attorney and legal agreements

• FBI background checks

• Business contracts and incorporation papers

If you’re using a U.S. document abroad for legal, educational, or personal reasons, there’s a good chance you’ll need an apostille.

How long does an apostille take?

Processing times depend on the state or federal office handling your request:

• Standard service: 3–10 business days (varies by state).

• Rush service: 2–4 business days for state-level documents.

• Federal (U.S. Department of State): 7–10 business days with courier; up to 6 weeks by mail.

What’s the difference between standard and rush apostille?

Standard: Normal processing time with the Secretary of State.

1. Rush: Prioritized handling using couriers and expedited service. Rush services significantly cut down wait time and guarantee faster turnaround

Do your fees include Secretary of State and courier costs?

Our fees include all processing with the appropriate Secretary of State. Courier and shipping costs may vary depending on state requirements, urgency, and your preferred delivery method. We’re transparent about these costs before you approve your order.

Can you help with both state and federal apostilles?

Yes. We process both state-level apostilles (e.g., birth certificates, diplomas, marriage certificates) and federal apostilles (e.g., FBI background checks, IRS records)

Do you only serve Houston, TX?

We are based in Houston, but we proudly serve clients nationwide. You don’t need to be local to use our services — we can facilitate apostilles and notary services securely online.

Can I submit scanned copies for apostille, or do I need originals?

Some documents must be original certified copies in order to receive an apostille. For example, birth certificates, marriage certificates, death certificates, and certain court-issued records can’t be notarized or apostilled from a scan or photocopy. They must come directly from the issuing office (like the county clerk or vital records office).

Other documents, such as business contracts, powers of attorney, or affidavits, can often be notarized and then submitted for apostille. In those cases, a notarized original (not a scan) is required before it can be processed.

At Clark Apostille Service, I’ll guide you step-by-step:

• If your document requires a certified original, I’ll let you know how to order one from the correct authority.

• If it can be notarized first, we can schedule a secure remote online notary session to prepare it for apostille.

• Scanned copies can be uploaded to our intake form for review, but final apostille processing will always require an acceptable original.

👉 If you’re not sure whether your document needs to be an original or notarized copy, just ask — I’ll review your situation and point you in the right direction before you spend time or money.

What is remote online notarization and how does it work?

Remote Online Notarization (RON) lets you notarize your documents without leaving home. We use the secure BlueNotary platform:

1. Schedule your session online.

2. Verify your identity with your government-issued ID.

3. Meet with me via video call to sign electronically.

4. Receive your notarized document instantly, with a digital seal.

Is remote notarization legal in all states?

Yes, remote online notarization is legally recognized in Texas and accepted by many states nationwide. However, acceptance can vary depending on the receiving institution or state. We’ll help guide you if you’re unsure whether RON is the right option for your document.

Are you insured and background-checked?

Yes. Clark Apostille Service is fully insured and background-checked for your peace of mind. We take document security and client trust seriously.

How will I get my completed apostille back?

We ship all completed apostilles back to you using secure, trackable shipping (FedEx, UPS, or USPS Priority). Tracking information will be provided as soon as your documents are on their way.

Can you apostille documents for use in non-Hague countries?

Yes. For countries that are not part of the Hague Apostille Convention, documents require authentication and legalization instead of an apostille. We can guide you through that process as well.