626 248-0349

You don’t have to be in the country to get an apostille

by | Jan 17, 2026 | Apostille, BLOG, Notary Public, Power of Attorney, Upland

Out of the Country and Need an Apostille? We Get Results Fast

Do you currently live abroad and need to authenticate critical documents? Maybe you’re applying for a visa, registering your marriage overseas, or enrolling in an international university. Whatever brings you here, you likely need an apostille—and we know the process feels overwhelming when you’re thousands of miles away.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need to be in the country to obtain an apostille. At Wet Ink Notary LLC, we actively manage the entire apostille process for clients abroad. Consequently, we transform what could be a stressful ordeal into a simple, fast, and completely hassle-free experience.

What Is an Apostille?

An apostille serves as a certificate that designated government authorities issue to authenticate public documents for use in countries participating in the 1961 Hague Convention Treaty. According to the U.S. Department of State, this certificate verifies the authenticity of signatures and seals on documents. As a result, foreign countries can legally recognize them.

Documents That Commonly Require Apostilles

  • Birth Certificates
  • Marriage Certificates
  • Divorce Decrees
  • Death Certificates
  • Diplomas and Transcripts
  • Power of Attorney Documents
  • Business Documents
  • Adoption Papers

How We Secure Your Apostille While You’re Abroad

At Wet Ink Notary LLC, we recognize the unique challenges you face when navigating government processes from overseas. Therefore, we offer comprehensive apostille services that actively handle every detail on your behalf.

Our Four-Step Process

  1. We Retrieve Your Documents: First, we obtain certified copies of your vital records directly from the appropriate California county or state office.
  2. We Handle Notarization: Next, if your documents require notarization before apostille certification, we complete this crucial step for you.
  3. We Process Your Apostille: Then, we submit your documents to the California Secretary of State or the U.S. Department of State for official apostille certification.
  4. We Ship Securely Worldwide: Finally, once we process your documents, we ship your apostilled materials anywhere in the world using secure, trackable delivery methods.

Why Wet Ink Notary LLC Delivers Better Results

  • Deep Expertise: We specialize exclusively in apostille services. As a result, we thoroughly understand the requirements for both California and federal documents.
  • Total Convenience: Instead of traveling back to the U.S., you can rely on us to handle everything remotely while you stay where you are.
  • Exceptional Speed: Furthermore, we expedite the entire process to deliver your documents as quickly as possible—often faster than you’d expect.
  • Complete Reliability: Additionally, we keep you informed at every step. Meanwhile, we ensure we handle your documents with the utmost care and attention to detail.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apostilles

  • What’s the difference between an apostille and authentication?

    You’ll use an apostille for countries that are members of the Hague Convention. In contrast, authentication (also called legalization) becomes necessary for non-Hague Convention countries. Moreover, authentication involves additional steps through the U.S. Department of State and the foreign country’s embassy or consulate.

  • How long does it take to get an apostille?

    Processing times vary depending on the issuing authority. Generally, the California Secretary of State processes apostilles within 5-10 business days. However, you may request expedited services for faster turnaround. Meanwhile, federal apostilles through the U.S. Department of State typically take 3-4 weeks or longer.

  • Can I get an apostille for documents from any state?

    Yes, however, the state where the document originated must issue the apostille. At Wet Ink Notary LLC, we primarily handle California documents. Nevertheless, we can also guide you step-by-step on obtaining apostilles from other states.

  • Do I need to send original documents?

    In most cases, yes. Authorities typically issue apostilles on original or certified copies of documents. Nevertheless, we’ll advise you on the specific requirements for your unique situation.

  • How much does apostille service cost?

    Costs vary depending on the document type, processing time, and shipping requirements. Therefore, we encourage you to contact us for a detailed quote based on your specific needs.

  • What if my document is not in English?

    If you need an apostille on a foreign-language document, a certified translator may need to translate it first. Fortunately, we can help coordinate professional translation services if needed.

  • Can you apostille documents for any country?

    We can apostille documents for use in any of the 120+ countries that participate in the Hague Convention. Moreover, for non-Hague countries, we can assist with the authentication process to ensure your documents gain legal recognition.

  • What if I need multiple copies apostilled?

    Authorities issue each apostille on an individual document. Consequently, if you need multiple apostilled copies, you’ll need to order multiple certified copies of the original document. Then, we’ll have each one apostilled separately.

Get Started Today—We’re Ready to Help

Don’t let distance prevent you from getting your important documents apostilled. Whether you need a birth certificate for a visa application, a marriage certificate for overseas employment, or transcripts for international education, we stand ready to assist you.

Contact us today:

Let Wet Ink Notary LLC handle the paperwork while you focus on what matters most—your life abroad.