Apostilles

Common Questions

What is an apostille and when do I need one?

An apostille is the international authentication certificate created by the 1961 Hague Convention. It is required whenever a US document is being used in one of the 125+ Hague member countries — for a visa, marriage abroad, international adoption, foreign university enrollment, or overseas business registration. Without an apostille, the receiving country's government or institution may not recognize the document as valid. Pennsylvania documents are apostilled through the PA Department of State.

How long does the apostille process take?

It depends on PA Department of State processing times, but routine apostilles typically come back within 2–3 weeks. Expedited processing is available for urgent timelines. I handle the mailing and tracking so you only see the start and end of the process.

Do you handle the Secretary of State coordination, or just the notarization?

Both. I notarize the document, prepare the apostille request, mail it to the PA Secretary of State, track it, and hand the apostilled document back to you. You only have to show up at one appointment.

What if my document needs to be translated into another language?

I can refer you to certified translators I trust, and I'll notarize the translator's certificate of accuracy once the translation is done. Many countries require both a certified translation and an apostille on the original document — I'll flag what your destination country specifically requires.

Do you come to me, or do I come to you?

I'm a mobile service — I come to you. Home, office, hospital, coffee shop, wherever the document needs to be signed.

Can I get a document notarized at my house in Philadelphia?

Yes — that's exactly what I do. I travel to homes throughout Philadelphia and the surrounding counties (Montgomery, Delaware, Chester, and Bucks). Book online and I confirm the appointment within the hour.

Can I get something notarized same day in Philadelphia?

Often yes. I frequently have same-day availability, especially for evenings and weekends. Book online and I'll confirm within the hour — or call (215) 690-1366 for urgent requests.

How do I know what to bring?

You'll get a confirmation email after booking with everything you need to prepare — IDs, documents, and any signers who need to be present.

What does it cost?

Pricing depends on the service, location, and timing — it's discussed at booking or at the appointment so you only pay for what you actually need.

Are you a licensed and insured notary?

Yes. I am a commissioned Pennsylvania notary public, NNA Certified, background-checked through the National Notary Association, and carry $1M in Errors & Omissions (E&O) insurance. Pennsylvania law (57 Pa. C.S. § 322) requires notaries to maintain a record of every notarial act for 10 years — every signing I perform is documented and retrievable.

Do you serve areas outside Philadelphia?

Yes — I serve Philadelphia and the four surrounding counties: Montgomery, Delaware, Chester, and Bucks. That includes the Main Line, Bala Cynwyd, King of Prussia, Norristown, Lansdale, Doylestown, Media, West Chester, and dozens of other communities within the Philadelphia metro.