What is an apostille and what is it for?

An apostille is a certification that a designated government authority places on a public document so that it is recognized in another country. It does not change the content of the document: it authenticates the signature, the official capacity of the person who signed it and, where applicable, the seal on it.apostilla es una certificación que una autoridad gubernamental designada coloca sobre un documento público para que sea reconocido en otro país. No cambia el contenido del documento: autentica la firma, la calidad del funcionario que lo firmó y, cuando corresponde, el sello que aparece en él.

Which countries use the apostille?

The apostille is used among countries that are part of the Hague Convention. If the document will be used in a participating country, an apostille is usually enough. If the destination country does not participate, the document generally needs consular legalization instead of an apostille.legalización consular en lugar de apostilla.

Which documents can be apostilled?

Public documents, and private documents that are first notarized, can be apostilled. The most common are:

• Birth, marriage, divorce and death certificates
• Powers of attorney and authorizations
• Diplomas, degrees and academic transcripts
• FBI background checks and eligible federal documents

What the apostille does NOT do

The apostille does not certify that the content of the document is true, nor does it by itself guarantee acceptance. The authority receiving the document may require a recent version, a certified copy, a translation or other requirements.

In the United States, the apostille is issued by the authority of the state where the document was issued or notarized (or by the Department of State for certain federal documents). That is why the correct state matters.estado donde se emitió o notarizó el documento (o el Departamento de Estado para ciertos documentos federales). Por eso el estado correcto importa.