What is an APOSTILLE?

The annoying task of getting a document Apostille. Prior to leaving for Belgium, on a work-visa, we [[My boyfriend and I]] were asked to provide some original documents for immigration purposes, so we can legalize ourselves in the country.  Belgium is one of the MANY countries in Europe who will ask you to get all your documents (such as; FBI background check, birth certificate, marriage certificate, single status affidavit, etc) APOSTILLE. You would be surprise how few people who works in government buildings actually know what an Apostille is, and where to go get a document apostille. I had to learn it the hard way, as I only had 4 days to get it done at and nobody in South Florida actually knew how to go about doing so. So I had to learn it through the web and blogs like this one.

Basically an apostille doesn't certify that your document is authentic, but DOES certify that the notary who notarized it was, in fact, a real notary.  It is like a "fancy cover-page" attached to your original document that just says everything your document says, some has stamps others have seals of authentication.

If you happen to live in the capital city of your state, getting an document apostille on the same day is quite easy, you would have to go to the Secretary of State office, bring a checkbook or money order (usually ranges from $5.00-$10.00). If you not live in driving distance from the capital, than I suggest you must MAIL your documents (like I did) to the secretary of state of the state your document is originated from, and in the cover letter include, your name, name of document, service needed (whether it be notarization or apostille) money order or check, and the country your document will be used in.  Also include a stamped and ready-to-mail envelope so they can mail it back to you. [[I did everything via FedEx to expedite the whole mailing in process, since it takes up to 3-5 business days for them to actually mail it out back to you.]] Documents such as Birth certificate and FBI background checks which has a form of authentication already on it does not need to be notarized prior, unlike affidavits and any unofficial document.

If you are an American citizen, and do not have a fairly new copy of your original birth certificate at hand, and need it apostilled and mailed to you, here is a great government site that will do it all for you, just go to: http://apostille.us You pretty much knock two birds with one stone, get retrieve a copy of your BC, get it apostille and mail it back to you, they even mail it international, if you are already living abroad (for about 98$USD).

For everyone else, here is a super HELPFUL site, that will help you locate your secretary of state:

http://www.shirleylaw.com/en/resources/apostille_usa.htm