Apostille Services in Indiana: Everything You Need to Know

If you have ever had to send important documents such as a birth certificate or marriage license or notarized power of attorney abroad, you may have been told you needed to get an apostille. If you aren’t familiar with that word, you aren’t alone. We are here to explain this in plain terms and describe the process in Indiana.

What is an Apostille?

An apostille (pronounced ah-pos-TEEL) is a type of authentication used to verify the legitimacy of a document for international use. Think of it like an international stamp of approval that says, “Yes, this document is official and recognized by the government.”

Apostilles are strictly for use in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention, which is a treaty to streamline the legalization of documents between countries.

When Do I Need an Apostille?

You may need an apostille if you're:

• Getting married abroad
• The act of adopting a child from a foreign country.
• Doing Business internationally
• Study or work abroad
• Clearing up legal proceedings in a foreign land

The apostille verifies the genuineness of the signature, seal or stamp on the document.

Indiana Apostille Process How It Works In Indiana

Apostilles are issued by the Indiana Secretary of State—not a notary. However, many of the documents that require an apostille must first be notarized properly. That’s where a mobile notary like me can help.

Here’s a basic breakdown of the process:

• Have Your Document Notarized (if needed) Some documents—such as certain powers of attorney, affidavits, or school records— need to be notarized before you can have them apostilled. I’ll help you get this step done quickly⁣ and correctly.
• Submit to the Indiana Secretary of State Once notarized, the document is ready to be submitted to the Secretary of State’s office. The Secretary of State will verify the notary’s credentials and then attach the apostille certificate.
• Dispatch Your Paper Overseas
• Once you receive the apostille, your document is good to go. It’ll be legally recognized in the foreign country you’re dealing with.

A Few Notes Specific to Indiana Only

• Original documents or true notarized copies may be apostilled.
• Indiana only provides apostilles for documents created in Indiana.
• The apostille certification itself will be a separate piece of paper which is stapled to your document. Do not remove this, as it is part of the authenticated document.

How Mobile Notary Indy Can Assist

While I don't provide Apostilles myself, I do provide professional notarization services. These are typically required first in the Apostille process. I'll ensure your documents are properly notarized and make sure they conform to the requirements of Indiana, so you aren't delayed when you submit them to the Secretary of State.

Not sure which documents need to be notarized for apostille ? Just a call/text away.. and I go to you.

Final Thoughts

Though apostilles can seem complicated, they can be relatively easy to obtain with the right guidance. So, whether you’re getting ready for a wedding in Italy or seeking adoption in Colombia, putting your documents in the proper channels is possible after taking one simple step: getting it notarized.

If you are local to Carmel, Westfield, Fishers, Noblesville or Zionsville and in need of assistance, I am here to make the process easy and hassle free.