Document Authentication
Whether you're submitting documents overseas for school, work, marriage or adoption, here are the three (3) primary paths for making them legally recognized abroad:
1. State Certification: Obtaining Secretary of State (SOS) certification for state-issued documents (ex: birth, death marriage certificates, divorce decrees)
2. Federal Apostille/Legalization: Managing federal-level authentication for U.S. government-issued documents (ex: passports, FBI Background (via CJIS Division) checks, U.S. Patent, FDA, USDA or IRS issued letters, Naturalization Certificates)
3. Embassy Legalization: For non-Hague countries (ex: Saudi Arabi, China, Egypt, Qutar, Kuwait, Vietnam, Jordan). Does NOT accept an apostille. This process verifies your document through authentication by U.S. Department of State and then legalization at the relevant embassy or consulate to ensure it’s official recognized abroad.
Reminder: The Apostille must be issued by the Secretary of State (SOS) in the same state where the document originated.
We understand how important timing and accuracy are, especially when dealing with international or legal matters. Let us take care of the details so your documents arrive exactly how and where they need to.
Document Legalization Process
Mail your documents and completed Order Form to the following address:
I Notarize 302
1207 Delaware Ave Suite 2762
Wilmington
Delaware
19806
When mailing your documents to us we strongly recommend that you use FedEx, UPS, or Express Mail – retain a copy of your tracking number.
If you are local to our Costa Mesa, California office, you may drop off your documents at our office:
I Notarize 302
1207 Delaware Ave Suite 2762
W...
Your legalized documents are sent back to you via FedEx
With FedEx Priority Overnight, your shipment will arrive by 10:30 a.m. to most U.S. addresses. Saturday delivery is not included in the FedEx Priority Overnight delivery.