Why would I need an Apostille?
Apostilles are required to use and government document outside of the issuing country, such as a US Criminal Record Check for use in Canada. Reach out with an email explaining what documents you have and what you want to use them for if you need more information. info@michaelcourierdc.com
What documents can have an Apostille?
Any document with a signature from a government representative can get an Apostille. This includes vital records (e.g. birth certificates), FBI Background Checks, and official correspondence (USCIS Certificate of Non-Existence or NARA Negative Search). Both written and digital signatures can have an Apostille at the federal level, but it varies at the state level.
Who can issue an Apostille?
Only the Secretary of State where the document was created can issue an Apostille.
How much does an Apostille cost?
It depends on the state, but the cost is typically around $5-$30 per document, not including postage costs.
What's the difference between a Federal and State Apostille? Can't I just use the nearest one?
NO! Apostilles can only be issued by the same government that issued the original document. If it's a state document (most birth, marriage, and death certificates) it must go to that state's Apostille office. If it is a federal document (FBI Background Check, National Archives, Naturalization Records), it must go to the Secretary of State in Washington, DC.
Can I just send you an email with all the documents or do I need to mail it to you?
It depends. Documents that were originally digital, such as correspondence or FBI Background Checks can be emailed. Documents that were originally physical much be mailed. You cannot use an unofficial copy, such as a photo or scan, for an Apostille.
How do I submit an Apostille myself?
First you fill out a request form, which lists how many documents are getting an Apostille and how much the cost is per document. Then you need to include payment, this is typically in the form of a check or money order through mail and a card in-person. If you are mailing the request, you must also include return postage. Be warned, mail-in Apostille requests are typically placed in the "back-of-the-line", while in person requests are handled first, in some states same-day.
What do I need to do if you are submitting the Apostille on my behalf?
Just provide me with the documents, the country the will be used in, and a good return address and I'll take care of the rest! Digital documents like FBI Background Checks can be emailed, while physical documents like birth certificates must be physically mailed. No need to worry about which document goes where and how to fill out different forms correctly. You'll have one point-of-contact for all Apostilles.
What is the total cost of an Apostille?
The total cost including shipping, government fees, and possibly money order fees varies. But it's always recommended to have tracking on mailed items to prove it was delivered, which starts around $12.50 per document per direction. This means an Apostille for one document can cost at least $45 at the federal level, while being delayed and deprioritized. My services will put your document at the front of the line and there's only one cost for the whole process, $65 per document, clear and upfront.
How long is my Apostille valid?
The Apostille itself never expires. Some documents, however, are time sensitive. For most purposes FBI Background Checks must have been issued within the last 6 months from when they intend to be used.
How do I get my documents to you?
If you have digital documents like FBI Background Checks, email them to info@michaelcourierdc.com. If you have physical originals that must be mailed to me, you can send them to the address below. Please reach out with an email before sending so that I can provide a document check to verify their eligibility.Michael Courier DC
PO Box 160
Germantown, MD 20875
How much is shipping? How fast?
Return shipping is always included, Priority shipping takes 2-3 days depending on where you are located. If the documents are physical copies and need to be mailed to me, that is not included in the price, but that step is not needed if you received the documents in a digital form (ALL FBI Background Checks).If you need documents to be returned faster, we can discuss options but it will be an extra charge.