Does an Apostille Expire?
The answer is NO. An apostille does NOT have an expiration date.
But, most countries requesting an apostille on your documents may request for the documents and the apostilles to be issued within a certain period of time. For example, we have heard that most countries request an apostille and the FBI background check to be issued within the past 90 days. Some countries may request them as soon as 30 days.
Please double check with the country requesting your documents to find out how old they can be and how recent should the apostille be issued. For example, if you need a California apostille on a California birth certificate, we recommend that you ask how old the birth certificate can be and how recent the apostille should be issued. If the answer is 30 days for both, then the birth and the apostille must be issued within the past 30 days.
From our experience, background checks have the most restrictions.
Also, some States have restrictions on how old the documents can be. For example, Wisconsin and Virginia are 12 months. Texas is five years. We recommend that you contact us so we can review your documents.
Here is typically what’s included in a Apostille:
- Country … [country name] This public document
- has been signed by … [name]
- acting in the capacity of … [function]
- bears the seal/stamp of … [authority] certified
- at … [location]
- the … [date]
- by … [name]
- No … [apostille registration number]
- Seal/stamp … [of the authority giving the apostille]
- Signature … [signature of authority giving the apostille]
You can see examples of US State apostilles.
Apostilles can be complicated. Don’t leave this process to untrained employees or non-professionals who do not fully understand the Apostille process and the unique requirements of certain countries. Your paperwork could be rejected costing you time and money. Don’t let this happen to you!
Our staff is available Monday-Saturday from 8am to 7pm to answer your questions and provide you easy to follow-step-by-step instructions. Please call us at 1-888-810-4054 or email: support@internationalapostille.com
Click the PDF download image to get started. Our apostille service is fast, convenient, and saves you time and money.
