I Don't Live in the State That Issued My Document. Can I Still Get an Apostille?
Yes. The apostille has to come from the state that issued your document, not the state where you live now, but you do not have to travel there. It can be handled by mail, and we can submit it for you.
Last reviewed: September 2026
Why the issuing state matters
An apostille certifies the signature and seal of the public official who issued or certified your document. Only the authority in that official's own state can vouch for them, and that is generally the state's Secretary of State. So a birth certificate issued in Ohio needs an Ohio apostille, even if you now live in Arizona. The Secretary of State in your current state cannot apostille it.
The usual path
Get a recent certified copy from the vital records office or court in the state that issued the document. You request this yourself, because we handle the apostille step and do not order certified copies.
Check what the issuing state requires. Rules differ by state. For example, Florida requires original certified copies with original signatures and seals.
Send us the document and tell us which country it is going to. We submit it to the correct state office.
We return the apostilled document to you by tracked courier, in the United States or abroad.
Do I need to be in that state?
No. Most state apostille offices accept documents by mail, and we submit on your behalf, so nobody has to appear in person. This is the main reason people who have moved, or who now live abroad, use an apostille service.
What about court and county documents?
Some documents, such as court records or records issued by a county, may need an extra certification step before the state will apostille them. Tell us what you have and we will confirm the steps for that state.
Mistakes to avoid
Sending the document to the Secretary of State where you live now instead of the state that issued it.
Using an informational copy or a photocopy instead of a certified copy.
Using a certified copy that is too old for the receiving country or agency.
Forgetting to say which country the document is going to, which can change what is required.
How long does it take?
Timing depends on the issuing state and how quickly you need it. Some states move fast and others take weeks. Send us your document type, the issuing state and your deadline, and we will give you current timing and a quote for the job.
How to start
To get started with American Apostille, email jared@apostillellc.com or message us on WhatsApp. Tell us the type of document, the state or agency that issued it, the country where you will use it, and your deadline.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Apostille requirements change and vary by state and by receiving country, so confirm current requirements with the office or agency that will receive your document.
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