If you’re preparing documents to be used abroad—whether for a job, marriage, visa, education, or legal matter—you’ve probably been told you need an Apostille Stamp. But what exactly is it, and how do you get one?

At Rais Apostille, we specialize in getting your documents legally authenticated with the required apostille stamp—quickly, correctly, and stress-free. Whether you’re in the U.S. or abroad, our nationwide service takes care of the paperwork, government processing, and delivery so you can focus on what matters.

What Is an Apostille Stamp?

An apostille stamp is a special certification issued by a government authority that verifies the authenticity of a public document for use in Hague Convention countries. The stamp confirms that the signature, seal, or certificate on the document is legitimate.

This apostille certification replaces the need for embassy or consulate legalization in member countries of the Hague Apostille Convention of 1961.

The apostille stamp can appear as:

• A printed certificate with a reference number

• An ink stamp with an official seal

• A sticker or attachment on the original document

Once a document receives this apostille stamp, it is legally recognized abroad without further verification.

Why Do You Need an Apostille Stamp?

The apostille stamp is required when you are:

• Applying for a foreign visa or residency

• Getting married in another country

• Enrolling in a school or university abroad

• Working or signing a contract internationally

• Completing a foreign adoption process

• Transferring business or legal documents overseas

Without this stamp, your documents may be rejected or considered invalid by foreign governments, institutions, or courts.

Which Countries Require an Apostille Stamp?

Any country that is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention will accept documents with an apostille stamp. Some of the most common destinations include:

• Spain

• France

• Germany

• India

• Italy

• Portugal

• Mexico

• Colombia

• South Korea

• Netherlands

• Australia

If your destination country is not part of the Hague Convention (such as China, UAE, or Qatar), your document will need embassy or consular legalization instead. Rais Apostille handles both apostille and non-Hague legalization services.

What Types of Documents Can Get an Apostille Stamp?

We help apostille a wide range of personal, academic, legal, and corporate documents:

Personal Documents

• Birth certificates

• Marriage licenses

• Divorce decrees

• Death certificates

• Powers of attorney

• Affidavits

• Police clearance certificates (local or FBI)

Educational Documents

• Diplomas

• Degrees

• Transcripts

• Enrollment verification letters

Legal & Business Documents

• Articles of incorporation

• Business licenses

• Contracts and agreements

• Commercial invoices

• Trademark and patent certificates

• Court documents

Each document type must meet specific requirements depending on the issuing state or federal authority.

What Does an Apostille Stamp Look Like?

The apostille stamp or certificate typically includes:

• Country of issuance

• Name of the document signer or issuing officer

• Title and capacity of the signer

• Seal of the issuing authority

• Date of certification

• Unique reference number

• Signature and stamp of the issuing office

It is usually attached to the original document with a staple, adhesive backing, or ribbon.

How to Get an Apostille Stamp

Getting an apostille on your own can be confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with the rules in your state or country. At Rais Apostille, we make the process simple and efficient:

Step 1: Document Review

Send us your document or a scanned copy. We’ll verify that it qualifies for an apostille and identify any additional steps like notarization.

Step 2: Notarization (if required)

Some documents must be notarized before they can receive an apostille. We provide mobile and remote notarization services where applicable.

Step 3: Submission to Government Authority

We submit your documents to the appropriate:

• Secretary of State (for state-issued documents)

• U.S. Department of State (for federal documents)

Step 4: Apostille Issuance

Once reviewed and approved, the government agency affixes the apostille stamp or certificate.

Step 5: Delivery

We return your apostilled document via secure, trackable courier—whether within the U.S. or internationally.

Apostille Stamp Processing Time

Processing times depend on the type of document and issuing authority:

• Standard service: 3–7 business days

• Expedited service: 1–2 business days (available in select states)

• Federal apostille (via State Department): 7–15 business days

• Same-day service: Available in specific locations

Rais Apostille offers both standard and expedited options to match your timeline.

Apostille Stamp vs. Notarization

These terms are often confused but serve different purposes:

In many cases, documents must be notarized before receiving an apostille.

Apostille Stamp + Certified Translation

If your document is being submitted to a non-English-speaking country, you may also need a certified translation. Rais Apostille offers:

• Translations into 100+ languages

• Certified and notarized translations

• Translation + apostille bundled services

• Fast turnaround (1–3 business days)

This ensures your documents are fully compliant with both language and legal requirements.

Who Can Use Rais Apostille Services?

We help individuals, law firms, corporations, HR departments, and educational institutions handle apostille requirements. Our services are ideal for:

• U.S. citizens living abroad

• International students

• Professionals moving overseas

• Business owners expanding globally

• Immigration and adoption attorneys

• Couples getting married internationally

Whether you need one document or fifty, Rais Apostille has the experience to deliver fast and accurate results.

Why Choose Rais Apostille?

Nationwide Coverage

We handle documents from all 50 states and federal agencies.

Expert Support

We know the specific requirements in every state and how to avoid delays or rejections.

Secure & Confidential

We handle your documents with strict confidentiality and return them via trackable courier.

End-to-End Service

From notarization and translation to apostille and delivery—we manage everything under one roof.

Fast Turnaround

Standard, expedited, and same-day services available.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I get an apostille stamp on a photocopy?

No. The apostille stamp must be applied to an original document or a certified copy issued by an official authority.

2. Is an apostille stamp accepted worldwide?

It is valid only in Hague Convention countries. For other countries, additional embassy legalization is required.

3. Can Rais Apostille help if I’m outside the U.S.?

Yes. Many clients ship their U.S.-issued documents to us from abroad. We process them and return them internationally.

4. How long does it take to get an apostille?

Standard processing takes 3–7 days. We also offer 24-hour and same-day service depending on the state and document type.

5. What if I need a translation?

We provide certified translations in over 100 languages and can bundle the service with apostille processing.

Get Your Apostille Stamp with Rais Apostille Today

Don’t let international document requirements slow down your plans. Whether you’re applying for a visa, registering a company, or getting married overseas, Rais Apostille ensures your documents are authenticated quickly and legally with an official apostille stamp.

Our team handles the process from start to finish—saving you time, reducing stress, and preventing costly mistakes.