Do all countries accept apostilles?
No. Apostilles are generally for Hague Convention countries. Other countries may require authentication or legalization.
International Notary Guides
Can an Online Notarized Document Be Apostilled?
Apostille and authentication rules vary, so confirm the destination country, issuing authority, document type, and receiving-party requirements before using online notarization.
iRemoteNotary Editorial Team
Quick Answer
Can an online notarized document get an apostille?
Some electronically notarized documents may be eligible for an apostille or authentication, but the process depends on the document type, the state or issuing authority, the destination country, and whether electronic notarization is accepted for that purpose. Confirm with the apostille authority and receiving party before notarizing.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a certificate used for certain documents that will be used in countries that participate in the Hague Apostille Convention. Documents for non-Hague countries may require a different authentication process.
How online notarization affects the process
An electronically notarized document may be handled differently from a wet-ink notarized document. Some authorities may support electronic processes, while others may require a printed certified copy, additional certification, or a different notarization format.
State and issuing-authority differences
Apostille handling can vary by state, document type, and issuing authority. A notarized private document may follow a different path than a vital record, court document, or federal document.
What to confirm before the notary session
Confirm the destination country, whether it is a Hague Convention country, whether the apostille authority accepts electronically notarized documents, whether a wet signature is required, and whether the receiving party has format requirements.
When online notarization may not be the right path
If the destination country, agency, school, court, or receiving party requires wet ink, consular processing, local notarization, or a specific certification chain, online notarization may not be accepted.
Important caution
iRemoteNotary does not guarantee apostille issuance, authentication approval, or foreign acceptance. This is not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can iRemoteNotary guarantee an apostille?
No. Apostille decisions are handled by the proper issuing authority.
Should I notarize before checking apostille requirements?
No. Check first so you do not notarize in a format the authority will not accept.
What if the destination country requires wet ink?
You may need an in-person notarization or another process.
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