What Is an Apostille? Complete Guide

An apostille (pronounced “ah-puh-STEEL”) is an official government certification that authenticates the origin of a public document so it can be legally recognized in another country. If you need to use a U.S. document abroad — for immigration, employment, marriage, or education — you’ll likely need an apostille. APB Notary in Wichita, KS handles the entire apostille process for you.

Apostille vs. Notarization — What’s the Difference?

Notarization verifies the identity of a document signer and witnesses their signature — it’s used for domestic purposes within the United States. An apostille goes one step further: it certifies that the notary or official who signed the document is legitimate, so the document is recognized internationally. Think of an apostille as a “super-certification” for international use.

When Do You Need an Apostille?

  • Immigrating to or working in another country
  • Enrolling in a foreign university or study abroad program
  • Getting married abroad
  • International adoption proceedings
  • Using a Power of Attorney in another country
  • Doing business internationally
  • Applying for dual citizenship or foreign residency
  • Presenting U.S. court orders or judgments abroad

What Documents Can Be Apostilled?

  • Birth Certificates
  • Marriage & Divorce Certificates
  • School Transcripts & Diplomas (including Wichita State University documents)
  • Court Documents & Judgments
  • Powers of Attorney
  • Business Documents (Articles of Incorporation, Good Standing)
  • FBI & Background Check Reports
  • Death Certificates
  • Adoption Documents

Which Countries Accept Apostilles?

Apostilles are accepted by all member countries of the Hague Convention (also called the Hague Apostille Convention). There are over 120 member countries, including Mexico, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Brazil, India, China, Russia, and many more. If the destination country is NOT a Hague member, you may need a different process called document “authentication and legalization” or “embassy legalization.” Contact APB Notary — we can advise on the correct process for your destination country.

How to Get an Apostille in Kansas

  1. Prepare Your Document — Some documents need to be notarized before they can be apostilled. APB Notary can notarize and apostille in one visit.
  2. Submit to Secretary of State — The Kansas apostille is issued by the Kansas Secretary of State’s office in Topeka.
  3. Receive Your Apostille — The apostille certificate is attached to your document, making it valid for international use.

Let APB Notary Handle Your Apostille

Don’t navigate the apostille process alone. APB Notary handles everything — from reviewing your document to submitting it to the Kansas Secretary of State and delivering it back to you. We serve clients in Wichita in person and clients nationwide by mail.

Need an apostille? Contact APB Notary today.

Address: 1901 E. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS 67214 (Inside Mr. Mc’s Market)
Phone: 316-247-2525
Walk-in: 316-265-9930
Spanish: 316-835-9090
Email: admin@apbnotary.com
Hours: Mon–Sat 9am–9pm | 24/7 by appt