Documents ready for the world stage.
Full apostille and document authentication from Overstreet Professional Services for clients who need their U.S. records recognized abroad.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is an official certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document — confirming that the signature, seal, or stamp on it is genuine — so it can be recognized in a foreign country.
Apostilles are issued under the 1961 Hague Convention. If the country where your document will be used is a member, an apostille is all you need. If it isn't, your document will instead require embassy or consulate legalization — a similar process with a few extra steps.
In short: an apostille is what makes your U.S.-issued birth certificate, diploma, or power of attorney legally usable anywhere from Spain to South Korea.
Common documents we'll authenticate
If a U.S.-issued document needs to be recognized abroad, it most likely needs an apostille or legalization first.
Birth & Marriage Certificates
Vital records authenticated for use abroad — visas, residency, marriage, and family reunification.
School & University Records
Diplomas, transcripts, and TEFL certificates for international study or employment.
Legal Documents
Court orders, judgments, divorce decrees, background checks, and affidavits.
Business Documents
Articles of incorporation, certificates of good standing, contracts, and trademarks.
Power of Attorney
POAs intended for use in property, financial, or family matters in another country.
Travel & Immigration
Single-status affidavits, adoption paperwork, and supporting records for consulates.
From your hands to the right authority — and back.
A clear, step-by-step path so you always know where your documents are and what's happening next.
Document Review
We review every document to confirm it's properly signed, notarized, or certified before submission.
Routing Determination
We determine whether your document needs state, federal (U.S. Department of State), or embassy legalization.
Forms & Cover Sheets
We prepare the required request forms, cover sheets, and any state-specific paperwork.
Submission
We submit your documents to the correct authority — Secretary of State, U.S. State Department, or foreign embassy.
Tracking & Communication
We track every submission and keep you updated at each step until the apostille is issued.
Secure Return
Completed apostilles are returned to you in person within Hampton Roads or via tracked, insured shipping.
We handle the whole process.
From the first document review to the final delivery back into your hands, OPS facilitates each stage of the apostille process — guidance, preparation, notarization (when needed), submission to the correct authority, status tracking, and secure return shipping. You stay informed; we stay on it.
Call to get startedClear, fair rates.
Final pricing depends on document type, destination country, and processing speed. You'll always receive a written quote before we begin.
Government and consulate filing fees are billed at cost in addition to OPS service fees.
Typical processing.
Timelines reflect current government processing windows and can shift. We'll confirm the latest estimate when you request a quote.
Common questions
Do I need notarization before an apostille?
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It depends on the document. Vital records (like birth and marriage certificates) typically need a certified copy from the issuing agency — not a notarization. Other documents, such as powers of attorney, affidavits, and copies of diplomas, usually need to be notarized first. As part of our review, OPS will tell you exactly what each document needs.
How long does the apostille process take?
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State-level apostilles in Virginia typically take 5 – 10 business days. Federal documents processed through the U.S. Department of State are currently running 8 – 12 weeks. Embassy legalization for non-Hague countries varies widely. We'll give you a realistic timeline up front.
Can OPS handle mailing and shipping?
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Yes. We can pick up your documents in Hampton Roads, mail submissions to the appropriate authority on your behalf, and return your completed apostille via tracked, insured shipping — or in person if you prefer.
What if the country I need it for isn't part of the Hague Convention?
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If your destination country isn't a Hague Convention member, your document will need embassy or consulate legalization instead of an apostille. OPS will guide you through the additional steps, prepare the required paperwork, and coordinate submission with the appropriate consulate.
Do I need to be present?
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Usually no. Once your documents are properly signed and notarized, OPS can handle the rest. For documents that still need notarization, we'll come to you anywhere in Hampton Roads.
Can OPS apostille documents from other states?
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Yes. We regularly coordinate apostilles for documents issued in other U.S. states by working with each state's Secretary of State or by routing federal documents through Washington, D.C.