What is an Apostille?
An apostille is a form of authentication used to verify the legitimacy of a public document so that it can be recognized in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961. It certifies the origin of documents such as birth certificates, marriage licenses, academic diplomas, or notarized legal papers, confirming that they were issued by a recognized authority in the original country. The apostille itself is a separate certificate or stamp affixed to the document, and it simplifies the process of legalizing documents for international use by eliminating the need for further embassy or consulate legalization.
When do I need an apostille?
You need an apostille when you are using a public document from one country in another country that is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, and the document must be officially recognized abroad. Common situations include studying or working in a foreign country, getting married abroad, applying for dual citizenship, conducting international business, or handling legal matters such as inheritance or adoption across borders. The apostille ensures that the document is considered valid and authentic by the foreign authorities, avoiding the need for additional legalization procedures.
Where can I get an apostille?
In the USA, you can obtain an apostille through the Secretary of State’s office in the state where the document was issued. For federal documents, the apostille is issued by the U.S. Department of State, Office of Authentications in Washington, D.C. Each state has its own procedure, fees, and processing times, so it’s important to check with the appropriate Secretary of State office.
In Canada, apostilles are issued by the Authentication Services of Global Affairs Canada in Ottawa or by designated provincial authorities (such as Ministries of Justice or Attorney General) depending on the province. Note that as of January 11, 2024, Canada officially joined the Hague Apostille Convention, which means the process is now more streamlined and no longer requires legalization by a consulate for member countries.
You’ll need an apostille from the Mexican authority that issued your public document, depending on its origin:
- Federal documents (e.g., notarized copies, academic documents, etc., the apostille is issued by the Secretaría de Gobernación, through the Dirección de Coordinación Política con los Poderes de la Unión (DICOPPU). In Mexico City the office address is Río Amazonas 62 (or 26), Col. Cuauhtémoc, CDMX.
- State-issued documents (e.g., civil registry certificates, state notary deeds): Apostille is done by the Secretaría (or Secretaría General) de Gobierno of the state where the document was issued .
- For CDMX (Mexico City), this is handled by the Dirección General Jurídica y de Estudios Legislativos del Gobierno del Distrito Federal.
- In Quintana Roo (Cancún area), you’d go to the Quintana Roo Secretaría General de Gobierno.
If you are not sure where to get your apostille, please contact the office that issued the original document. They should know where you can get it apostilled.
What does an apostille cost?
United States
- State-issued documents:
- Varies by state, typically $3 to $20 per document.
- Example: California – $20; Texas – $15; New York – $10.
- Varies by state, typically $3 to $20 per document.
- Federal documents:
- U.S. Department of State: $20 per document.
- Processing time:
- Varies from same-day (in person) to several weeks (by mail).
Canada (joined the Apostille Convention in January 2024)
- Federal documents:
- Global Affairs Canada: Free (no fee).
- Processing may take 10+ business days.
- Provincial authorities:
- Some provinces now offer apostille services (e.g., Ontario, British Columbia).
- May charge admin fees, e.g., CAD $20–$75 depending on the province and whether notarization is required beforehand.
Mexico
- State-level documents:
- Typical cost: MXN $600–$1,000 (~USD $35–$60) depending on the state.
- Paid via official bank deposit (e.g., BBVA/Santander).
- Federal documents (e.g., via DICOPPU, Secretaría de Gobernación):
- Approx. MXN $1,200–$2,000 (~USD $60–$115).
- Same-day processing possible, but you must arrive early and meet all requirements.
Can LinguaMundo help me get an Apostille?
We only provide apostille services for documents issued in and by the State of Quintana Roo, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc. We do not provide apostille services for documents issued in other states or countries. Please contact us if you require our services.