How to Get an Apostille Indiana

If you are planning on traveling or conducting business overseas, you may need to obtain an apostille for your documents. An apostille is a specialized certificate that authenticates the document for use in certain countries. In Indiana, getting an apostille is not a difficult process, but it does require some specific steps. In this blog post, we will go through the process of obtaining an apostille in Indiana and give you some tips to make it as easy as possible.

Step 1: Determine which documents need an apostille

The first step in obtaining an apostille is to determine which documents you need to authenticate. Examples of documents that may need an apostille include birth certificates, marriage licenses, divorce decrees, educational transcripts, and more. It's important to note that not all documents need an apostille, so do your research to make sure you're getting the right type of authentication.

Step 2: Get your documents notarized

Before you can obtain an apostille, your documents must be notarized by a licensed notary public. This ensures the authenticity of the document and prevents fraud. Find a notary public in your area, bring the original document with you, and sign it in front of the notary. You may need to pay a small fee for this service.

Step 3: Submit your documents to the Secretary of State

Once your documents have been notarized, you can submit them to the Secretary of State's Authentication Division for processing. You can submit your documents in person, by mail, or through a courier service. The fee for an apostille Indiana is $2 per document, plus any additional fees for expedited service or shipping. Make sure you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you're submitting your documents by mail.

Step 4: Wait for your apostille to be processed

It typically takes about 10 business days for the Secretary of State to process your apostille request, though expedited services are available for an additional fee. Once your apostille has been issued, it will be attached to your original document and returned to you. Make sure you keep the apostilled document in a safe place and only provide copies when necessary.

Step 5: Go to the Indianapolis Secretary of State for in-person service

If you need a document apostilled as soon as possible, you can go to the Secretary of State's office in Indianapolis for walk-in service. This is only available for certain types of documents, such as birth certificates, and may not be available during busy times. The fee for in-person service is $10 per document in addition to the normal $2 processing fee.

Obtaining an apostille in Indiana may seem daunting, but following these steps will make the process as smooth as possible. Remember to determine which documents need an apostille, get them notarized, submit them to the Secretary of State, and wait for them to be processed. And if you need expedited or in-person service, those options are available for an additional fee. With these tips, you'll be on your way to international travel or business in no time.